Overdue Pruning on Apple and Peach Tree

9 years ago

I've lived at my current residence going on two years. I have an apple (left)

peach (right) tree needing some pruning planted side by side against a wall. It seems as though someone planted them many years ago, with plans to espalier? Not sure. The apple tree really doesn't produce much, but the peach tree is pretty reliable. However, as one can see in the photo, they have not been pruned for awhile and getting any fruit requires some effort. I've read topping fruit trees is not a wise idea and removing them & replacing might be the best direction. Any advice?? Thank You. ;

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

9 years ago

Exactly how close are they to the house? Even if they had intended to espalier (but didn't) that's not a very good location - espaliers need room to spread or attain their two dimensional form and there is just not enough flat wall space without windows to do so in that location.

Fruit trees are not pruned in the same manner that ornamental trees are and topping or lowering the crown and spreading it out is a common practice - it allows sunlight to penetrate the canopy, encourages good fruit production and makes for easier picking. But this is usually begun well before the trees reach the size of these. And depending on how close they are to the side of the house, may not be a very manageable effort anyway. Fruit trees really need full sun to produce well and at least a portion of these will be shaded by the structure.

My advice would be to remove. And replace with new trees of your choice in a better, more open location sufficiently away from the house so you have full access all the way around and where the trees will receive full sun. And you will probably want a second type of apple - the lack of production on the current one is likely due to inadequate cross pollination.

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Comments (8)

Trinacria
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you for the advice. I was kind of thinking removal would be the best way to go. They are only about two feet away from the house. Yeah, I didn't think it was the best area for espalier either, but I was trying to make some since out of the location choice.
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garybeaumont_gw
9 years ago
It doesn't hurt peach trees to be topped. If the tree is on the south side of the house, it should get enough sunlight. Even on the east or west side it will have enough to produce. Many people prune to the height they want the tree and keep it at that height. Prune any branches going into the center to help with air circulation. If you like the taste of the peaches and it is producing, the lack of sunlight will not be a problem.
Tim Walker
9 years ago
I am of the belief two feet is plenty of room. The best bet for you would be to read a few articles on the subject. The info will guide you through the process.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
Planting a tree 2' from the side of the house is never a good idea, unless trained as an espalier or a columnar apple variety or other very fastigiate species. There is just not enough space to allow the tree to develop a proper canopy without the structure obstructing branch development or the tree itself interfering with the structure and preventing maintenance, painting, etc. You want to space the tree at least 1/2 the distance of the anticipated mature canopy spread (i.e., a 20' spread = 10' minimum spacing distance). Don't know of many fruit trees (other than the two forms I mentioned) that will maintain only a 4' wide canopy!! It really doesn't make any difference if it is a fruit tree or an ornamental tree - that is just a basic fact of good plant design.

If you have any doubts on this matter, just check the Trees or Conifer forums.....one of the most common observations is that the plant is sited too close to a structure.
garybeaumont_gw
9 years ago
It just seems such a waste to cut the peach tree down when it has been a reliable producer. I would top it and see if it continues to produce. If you want to plant another peach at a better location, that would be fine but I would still top the current peach tree. If it does well with the topping you would have 2 trees producing.

If you cut the tree down now and replace with another tree it will be about 3 years before you get a decent crop of peaches. The peach tree should not cause any problems with the structure since the peach tree roots tend to be pretty small, compared to large trees such as oaks and pine trees. If you really don't care about the fruit and like the tree more for looks it would be best to cut it down now.

I would not suggest planting a peach tree 2 foot from the house but that has already done.
tlbean2004
9 years ago
I also would not cut the peach tree down if it produces reliably every year.
daphne1980
9 years ago
I would not cut peach tree, trim it from top but not too much.Apple can go since no fruit.