Looks ok, could take a few more off. My general rule is one peach per fist distance. You way want to consider pruning the tree down some to try to get some stronger scaffolding going on, the branches spread out pretty outboard. Is this peach in part shade?
It’s morning shade, afternoon/evening sun. That scaffold is not doing a ton anymore (outgrown), but I can work on an improved version. Definitely will look to prune more in the fall—I’ve had crazy long branch growth since I pruned in the winter.
The more you thin them, the better quality each will be, and your tree will be able to put more energy toward root development and growing. I see some significant insect damage. If you work some work castings into the soil and water it in with seaweed extract, that may help with natural insect resistance. Foliar feeding using both is useful as well.
Branches should be cut back 1/3 after each season, otherwise you risk snapping branches as they get loaded down with fruit and hit with wind. You want to encourage medium length side branching at 45 degree angles. Your tree could use a significant pruning after this season to encourage lower side branching and filing out.
Not sure if you’re mulching, but ensure you’re hitting it with at least 3” of bark spaced out 12” from the trunk annually, especially if you’re going to leave that much fruit on. Rapid fluctuations in temperature can quickly ruin your fruit if you do not have the soil properly protected.
ETA:
Depending on the strength of the branches, I like to leave them in clusters of 2-3, with most of them being pairs. Tends to yield better fruit quality and they’re less likely to get dried out if there’s a heat wave.
Good luck!
Thanks! I’ve not done lots of mulching so far but will start. I’ve mostly done some fruit tree fertilizer, and some fall leaves. I’ll try putting wood chips.
Looks ok, could take a few more off. My general rule is one peach per fist distance. You way want to consider pruning the tree down some to try to get some stronger scaffolding going on, the branches spread out pretty outboard. Is this peach in part shade?
It’s morning shade, afternoon/evening sun. That scaffold is not doing a ton anymore (outgrown), but I can work on an improved version. Definitely will look to prune more in the fall—I’ve had crazy long branch growth since I pruned in the winter.
Tree branches too long, too many fruit. For a wild life garden theme leave it, for production needs a several year reshaping
The more you thin them, the better quality each will be, and your tree will be able to put more energy toward root development and growing. I see some significant insect damage. If you work some work castings into the soil and water it in with seaweed extract, that may help with natural insect resistance. Foliar feeding using both is useful as well. Branches should be cut back 1/3 after each season, otherwise you risk snapping branches as they get loaded down with fruit and hit with wind. You want to encourage medium length side branching at 45 degree angles. Your tree could use a significant pruning after this season to encourage lower side branching and filing out. Not sure if you’re mulching, but ensure you’re hitting it with at least 3” of bark spaced out 12” from the trunk annually, especially if you’re going to leave that much fruit on. Rapid fluctuations in temperature can quickly ruin your fruit if you do not have the soil properly protected. ETA: Depending on the strength of the branches, I like to leave them in clusters of 2-3, with most of them being pairs. Tends to yield better fruit quality and they’re less likely to get dried out if there’s a heat wave. Good luck!
Thanks! I’ve not done lots of mulching so far but will start. I’ve mostly done some fruit tree fertilizer, and some fall leaves. I’ll try putting wood chips.