PRUNING PEACH TREES 
45 
Early the next spring 
cut off all but three to 
five of the branches. Pour 
is a . good number. These 
should be well spaced 
around the trunk, so as 
not to form any weak 
crotches or forks. Many 
growers cut back these 
remaining branches one- 
third to two-thirds of 
their length. However, we 
believe that if only one- 
fourth of these side 
branches are cut off, they 
will form just as good a 
top and make a better 
growth. Of course, if one 
branch is especially long, 
it should be shortened 
back to about the same 
length as the others, so as 
to make the top uniform. 
During the second sea- 
son's growth each of these 
branches should put out a 
number of side branches. 
Some growers pinch off 
all but two or three of 
these side branches, leav- 
ing one near the end, and 
then one at either side of 
the older limb. However, 
as said before, it is better 
to let the young tree make 
as much growth as pos- 
sible during the growing 
season, and then do the 
heavy pruning in the win- 
ter or early spring. 
Early in the spring after the second season's growth the tree can be 
trimmed up so it has a central trunk. From this are four main branches, 
and from each of these main branches there are two to three side bran- 
ches. If there are more than two or three side branches, they should 
be cut out before the th'rd season's growth starts. A peach tree can be 
made to bear the third year by special pruning, but it is not recommend- 
ed. It should bear its first full crop the fourth season. Early in the 
spring of the fourth season cut out all branches that interfere with 
others, al.^o cut out all that are growing in the wi'ong direction. If any 
of the branches have made a much larger growth than the others, shorten 
them back so as to keep the shape of the tree uniform. Or, if the branches 
are inclined to be slender or willowy, shorten them back so they will be 
thicker and stronger and can bear heavier loads of fruit. In pruning, 
it is generally best to cut off just above the bud on the outside. This 
will make the tree have a spreading, open top. (See page 33.) 
The peach tree should bear a full crop the fourth season, and it 
should be pruned regularly every year. There are many different ideas 
about pruning the peach tree, but all agree that it should be pruned 
regularly and heavily. 
Pruning One-Year-Old Peach Trees at 
Planting Time. 
One-year peach trees are always branched. 
Cut oH the top at the desired height, usually 
12 to 18 Inches, above the ground. Then short- 
en back side branches to one or two sound 
buds, as shown above. 
