 Re: Peach prune!
Clementine,
We are going to go with Azrael's suggestions.
Yes, prune it this year. We would take away all the lower branches. Peach trees need severe pruning in order to fruit (they fruit on one year old wood) so can tolerate and in fact need strong pruning, approximately 2/3 of new wood.
This will encourage better distribution of fruit and better production.
Like Azrael we are concerned as to whether this tree was planted too deep. If you cannot see the graft, gently work down to see where it is. It must be above the soil (and mulch if added) line. If it is indeed too deep, you should seriously consider digging it up to raise it. Better to do this now than having to deal with a struggling tree all its life. At that time it may or may not need staking, but you might be able to straighten it out in the hole.
We are strong proponents of mulch also. The solid concrete environment it is in is going to be hard on it from raised soil temps to reflected heat off the house.
Good luck,
D and S Mc |