i would take off everything below the top of the sidewalk.. based on this pic ...

and next year.. the next whorl of branches..

do it over and over.. until i raised the canopy as high as i desired .l..

and i would do it ... when ever i walked by with my pruning saw ...

may as well buy one... see link for a cheap example

do you know about branch collars etc...

ken

ps: you can use the saw on your peach too ....

Here is a link that might be useful: link

Thank you Ken. That is what I needed to know. This will be my frist time pruning a tree, but I have read online and do know about the collar. I should prune just outside the swolen collar, on the limb itsellf. This should also be done during the dormant phase of the tree in the winter, correct?

Thanks again.

Doesn't have to be done during dormancy. Some trees may have more optimal times of the year for pruning for various reasons, but most trees can be pruned just about anytime. The optimal time for most trees is late-winter/early-spring so that wounds are covered over more quickly. The worst times to prune, at least for major pruning, is late-summer or fall before dormancy. Pruning really late can cause tender new growth to be killed by cold winter temperatures. But, overall, prune "when ever (you) walk by with (your) pruning saw."