2 years oldHow old is the peach tree?
I only ask, because it seems like in our AO a peach tree only last for about 10 years.
We gotta replant several.
that is an excellent point - I've had it happen here with apples. the other extreme is that roots can become rotted by too much rain and persistently "wet feet". it that's the issue you may need to consider "root pruning".Hopefully your peach tree is now doing OK.
If it has a true dwarfing rootstock, the tree will likely need to be anchored. Years later a heavy fruit set can uproot the tree, otherwise.
Also, any pruning should be "summer pruning". In my area, that will be for the next couple of weeks.
What are water sprouts?Semi-dwarf rootstock basically solves the problem. And while the tree would likely want to grow larger than a dwarf, pruning can keep the semi-dwarf the same size as the dwarf. Summer pruning, rather than fall, winter or early spring pruning, prevents water sprouts. And water sprouts means another round of pruning, far more laborious than the initial pruning.
Epicormic branching is the scientific term. They are shoots that grow up fast from branches, and from the base of the tree (suckers). They usually occur after tree damage or pruning. They are mostly undesirable because of the fast growth, making the tree more dense. That produces less light penetration throughout the crown. And, they mostly produce smaller inferior fruit. Especially on a dwarf tree, which are usually chosen for a compact size, the water sprouts aren't wanted. If a tree had a fairly large open area, because of broken branches, perhaps a few water sprouts would fill in that area OK.What are water sprouts?
My trees need pruning but theres still fruit on them. Is it wise to cut those water spouts now? It would help so I can put bird netting up.Semi-dwarf rootstock basically solves the problem. And while the tree would likely want to grow larger than a dwarf, pruning can keep the semi-dwarf the same size as the dwarf. Summer pruning, rather than fall, winter or early spring pruning, prevents water sprouts. And water sprouts means another round of pruning, far more laborious than the initial pruning.
I only summer prune, so have never had to deal with water sprouts.My trees need pruning but theres still fruit on them. Is it wise to cut those water spouts now? It would help so I can put bird netting up.