How to properly prune peaches in the area

Meaning and functions

Peach is a capricious and whimsical culture that needs special climatic conditions and care. Peach pruning is carried out not only to extend the fruiting period and increase yield, but also increases its resistance to adverse climatic conditions.

The method of forming the crown of the tree directly affects the winter hardiness of the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to form the crown in different ways for different regions. "Spindle" is suitable for the mild climate of Cherkessk or Makhachkala, but for the Krasnodar Territory this method is not suitable, in this case it is better to cut the tree with a "bowl".

For the climatic conditions of the middle lane, the best option is a bushy form, and for even more severe and unfavorable conditions, the plant is laid with stanza. In addition to the formative function, pruning also performs the following functions: regulating, restorative, rejuvenating and sanitary.

The time of year that is chosen for the procedure also depends on the purpose of pruning. Peach pruning begins from the second year after planting, when the plant is fully opened, it has several lateral shoots. The formation of future skeletal branches begins from these shoots.

Video "How to trim a peach correctly"

In this video, a specialist will tell you how to properly prune a peach tree.

Features of the procedure

Peach pruning is required not only in spring and autumn, but also in summer. In each season, the procedure fulfills its tasks.

In spring and summer

Springtime is optimal for tree rejuvenation, removal of frozen and damaged shoots and formation of a peach crown. In the summer season, dry branches, unnoticed in spring, are removed, and weak fruit-bearing branches are shortened. At the same time, sanitary pruning is carried out.

In spring, pruning is carried out in this way:

1. Measure the height of the stem and determine the main skeletal branches. The branches should grow at a steep angle to the conductor and point in different directions.
2. Shorten the branches of the skeleton into two buds.
3. Cut the conductor above the upper lateral branch and remove excess shoots onto the ring.
4. Remove frozen and broken off branches.
5. In order to rejuvenate, you can cut off shoots older than 4 years.

Summer pruning is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. Examine the peach for dead branches and remove them.
2. They regulate new growths: vertically growing or turned inward are removed, the rest are pinched.
3. They shorten weak fruiting shoots, which have set many fruits, and thin out the ovaries.
4. Diseased shoots are removed.

In autumn

Autumn pruning serves for sanitary purposes: diseased shoots and branches broken off by the harvest are removed.

The scheme of the procedure before wintering is as follows:

1. Remove dry, diseased and broken branches.
2. Shorten long, thin branches that have not matured.
3. Cut root growth.

Types of pruning

The growth and development of a tree depends on the correct timing and pruning scheme.Each type of pruning has many functions to keep the peach in optimal fruiting condition.

Formative

If the crown of the tree is formed in a natural way, then thickening and premature death of the shoots cannot be avoided. The branches begin to grow in the wrong direction, which can provoke various diseases and damage to the plant. That is why time should not be wasted and it is necessary to start forming the crown already in the second year after disembarkation. The shape of the crown is selected according to several criteria: climatic conditions, place of cultivation and location features.

Rejuvenating

Carried out when the shoots, buds or color show clear signs of frostbite. Therefore, the process of removing old and frostbitten shoots will not damage the tree. Depending on the growing conditions, rejuvenating pruning begins at 6–8 years of age. Skeletal branches are cut to young (two or three years old) wood with transfer to the outer branch. Pruning will provide good ventilation and light access. In the future, 10 years of age are chosen for rejuvenation.

Restorative

Due to various factors, the development of a tree can be disturbed from one or several sides (suppression by another tree or building). First you need to eliminate the obstacle, if possible, otherwise there will be no point in the procedure. Then, small, crossed, dead, abnormally growing shoots should be corrected or removed. Low-growing long branches should be propped up or cut to avoid splitting the trunk. All this must be done intermittently so that the peach can recover.

Regulatory

It is carried out in spring or autumn, suitable for trees of any age, even young plants. Branches with a large number of shoots and ovaries are removed. This prevents damage to the tree and improves fruiting.

Basic formation schemes

There are several formation schemes: cup-shaped, columnar, bush-shaped. Most often, experienced gardeners choose the first two. The cup-like shape is made by trimming from smallest to largest. The lower branches leave more, and from the middle to the top they shorten and form a line. At the same time, the length of the shoots is leveled and thickening is eliminated. The columnar shape is formed as follows: at the base of the trunk, up to four shoots are left on each tier. If necessary, pinch the shoots.

Further care

It is important not only to properly prune the peach tree, but also to provide it with proper care after the procedure. So that the infection does not get into the places of the cuts, and they drag on faster, they need to be covered with garden varnish. It is recommended to do this one day after cutting to form a protective film. Next, you need to monitor the regular moisture of the tree and the appearance of parasites.

Parasites or infections should be fought immediately so that they do not have time to significantly undermine the peach's immunity.

Themed video tutorials from experienced gardeners will also help you understand the features of pruning.