How to Care for Older Peach Trees
- 1). Control disease by examining the leaves, trunk and roots of your peach tree regularly. If you see any signs of insect, fungal or bacterial infection---such as cankers on the branches or damaged leaves---determine the cause and attend to the problem immediately.
- 2). Water your peach tree routinely. Water is one of the most important factors for determining whether a peach tree remains fertile and healthy; most nutrients move to the tree through the roots via water. Give your peach tree at least one inch of water once a week.
- 3). Feed your peach tree in the spring. Give the tree one to two pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer in March, and again in May. Spread the fertilizer around the outer diameter of the tree. Do not apply directly to the area close to the trunk.
- 4). Remove any weeds around the peach tree with a hoe. Apply one to three inches of mulch around the outer diameter of the tree. Avoid mulching directly against the trunk; leave at least two to three inches of mulch-free space around the tree.
- 5). Prune your older peach tree late in the spring. Remove all shoots and suckers in the lower three feet of the tree. Then trim back any shoots that grow over a height of seven feet. Remove all shoots that grow toward the inside of the tree. Finally, cut away all old, gray wood.
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