Prune fruit trees when the leaves are off (dormant). January 11, 2019 - Author: Diane Brown, Michigan State University Extension.Revised for Michigan from ‘Growing Apple Trees in Wisconsin’ by Roper, Mahr and McManus, 2006. Soil pH should be on the slightly-acidic side, between 6 and 6.5. Most Michigan apple trees are formed into dwarf or semi-dwarf roots. About 2/3 the way through you will find a section devoted to training and pruning that should get you started. Branches and twigs older than this no longer produce fruit, so a main element in pruning is removing the old fruiting wood so the tree can devote its energy to fruitful, new growth. Peaches are very delicate with easily bruised thin skin. It’s easier to see what you are doing and removal of dormant buds (growing points) invigorates the remaining buds.

A hard frost soon after trimming the tree can damage it. 8 Comments .

Summer pruning removes leaves (food manufacturer), slows fruit ripening, and exposes fruit to sunburn. While the trees are considerably sturdier than the fruit, there are a few tips and tricks you should know about pruning your peach trees to ensure healthy trees and a good crop: Purchase healthy peach trees from a reputable nursery or garden center. Summer pruning can be used, however, to slow down overly vigorous trees or trees that are too large.

When to prune apple trees in Michigan Of course, the general size of a tree is dependent on the tree’s own roots and vigor as well as its exposure to direct sunlight and shade. How to Prune a Peach Tree.

Old fruit wood looks grey and grows slower than new wood. Smart Gardening: Pruning and training backyard apple and pear trees DOWNLOAD FILE. This will connect you with a general primer to fruit tree care.

Every tree is different … Be sure to avoid planting in low areas, as cold air and frost can more easily settle there and affect the quality of your peaches. CC flickr photo courtesy of whizchickenonabun. Peach trees won’t do well in areas where soil is compacted or remains consistently wet. 1. How to Plant Peach Trees When you prune, look for fast growing, reddish colored branches that are 18 to 24 … You can trim your trees before the buds appear, or you can wait until tight, pink buds are on the tree. Such heavy pruning drastically reduces the crop as well as the size of the tree. Peach trees produce fruit on wood which is one year old. Timing of Pruning for Peach Trees. On this web page chose the link labeled "getting trees off to a good start". Never prune a bearing peach tree heavily enough to make eventual thinning of the fruit unnecessary. Lightly head back terminal growth on the scaffold limbs to outward-growing laterals to maintain the open center or bowl-shaped tree. Pruning too early when frost is still possible can harm the tree. Pruning Peach Trees. The best time to prune a peach tree is shortly before it blooms in the spring.