Summer pruning can be beneficial, however, when used to slow down overly vigorous trees or trees that are too large. When spring comes, thousands of acres of California Prune orchards are covered in a fragrant canopy of white blossoms. It also ensures that only the most perfect, premium prunes are ultimately harvested for all to enjoy.

Spring: As spring approaches, the days become longer, the weather becomes warmer, and your tree starts to emerge from dormancy. Peach trees are not long-lived. They need lots of pruning every year to stay healthy. Prune when peach trees are dormant, saving major shaping and training for the winter when leaves are down. Once trees start budding or blooming in spring, though, double-check that pruning now won’t put your tree in harm’s way.

There are a number of reasons for cutting back a nectarine tree each with a specific purpose. People choose to prune trees to espalier shapes because controlling the size and shape of the tree allows for easier care and harvest. In Southern California, we can grow almost every type of deciduous fruit tree (think peaches, apples, plums, apricots, cherries), but we must be careful about choosing varieties that are suited to our relatively mild winters, usually of less than 500 chill hours. It has a wonderful stash of energy or sugars in its roots, which it will use to power spring growth. Your Guide to Pruning Trees in Spring If you can prune your trees before they begin growing, that still counts as dormant pruning and is the ideal time to prune because of these benefits . But I … Can I prune fruit trees in summer? With their pink flowers and sweet fruits, peach trees (Prunus persica) are a versatile addition to a home garden. The following resources provide information about fruit tree pruning. Ramona, CA - Peach and nectarine trees require annual pruning of up to 60% of last year's growth but yet often do not respond to heavy pruning cuts to … The buds on your tree will burst open, making way for leaves, blossoms, baby fruit, and new shoots to emerge. The best time to prune a peach tree is in the early spring before the sap begins running. Gardeners in USDA hardiness zones 4 and colder will need to give these trees winter protection. Springtime pruning is also easier since without foliage, the shape of the tree is easier to view. Pruning California peach trees in the fall or early winter when they have lost all their leaves, encourages growth and the health of the tree. Learning when and how to prune nectarine trees along with providing irrigation, pest and disease management and proper fertilization, will ensure a long life for the tree and a bountiful harvest for the grower. Presentation Material: Backyard Pruning Presentation, notes used in class for fruit tree pruning.Covers pruning different types of fruit trees, why, how and when to prune for both structure, shape and fruit production. Fruit Tree Pruning in The Spring.

They require adequate summer watering, deep and well-drained soils, high nitrogen fertility, fruit thinning, and pest control sprays to prevent peach leaf curl and brown rot. Prune your Southern California growing citrus trees during the winter, from December to January, when they are in their slowest growth phase.

Peach trees are short-lived trees (15-20 yr). The short answer is yes - you can prune fruit trees in summer. 'Galaxy' is a Chinese peach tree with unusual "doughnut"-shaped, white-fleshed fruits. Keep these things in mind: Have confidence in knowing that not everyone will prune … Pruning a nectarine is an important part of taking care of the tree. Hand pruning helps to regulate tree shape, control fruit size, and maintain healthy growth.

So planting a new tree every five to six years will ensure you are never without a peach tree. Step 2 Trim away dead or diseased twigs, branches or limbs, or any that look as though they may be badly infested with insects. Pruning of deciduous fruit and nut trees is normally done when the tree is dormant—essentially any time after the leaves are off and prior to spring bud break. It’s when your trees are dormant, usually December through early February. Pruning peach trees every year ensures that nutrients aren't wasted on excess foliage or dead limbs. April is a dynamic time to talk about fruit trees — as they are all blooming and flushing — and this last week I did so as the monthly speaker for the Ocean Hills Garden Club in Oceanside. Pruning Peach Trees.

Pruning in the early spring will reduce the chances of pest infestation.

Avoid pruning in the winter, as this can reduce the cold hardiness of the tree.

This reduces the number of fruit on the tree, and stimulates strong growth of fruiting wood each year. Wondering the best time of year to prune fruit trees? Peach pruning should remove 40 percent of the tree each winter.