I'm losing a peach tree. A combination of old age and 6 years of neglect before I bought the place. 6 years in the desert without water is tough on a fruit tree, and the peach never fully recovered.

The rootstock that it is on suckers like a madman and has very long sharp thorns. It's hard to keep it under control, because it bites.

Does the thorniness identify the rootstock? Is it worth saving the biggest sucker and grafting a new peach tree onto it?

Is there a peach rootstock with better manners and less intention to draw blood?

I prefer a larger tree with a deep anchor. I get some strong winds and want trees that can hold onto the earth with tenacity.