AR Peach/fruit tree Pruning apps? - Ask Extension
I’m not confident about chopping up 80% of my 20’ 4yo peach in A2. Was hoping to get access to a virtual Pruning tool that maps the limbs to be ...
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AR Peach/fruit tree Pruning apps? #787817
Asked April 24, 2022, 10:33 AM EDT
I’m not confident about chopping up 80% of my 20’ 4yo peach in A2. Was hoping to get access to a virtual Pruning tool that maps the limbs to be pruned. I know it’s a funnel canopy but I’ve killed my last one. There in lies my apprehension
Ty
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Ty-
Your tree looks very healthy and vigorous. I agree, it is in need of some significant pruning.
Unfortunately I do not know of such an app, but wouldn't that be nice!? The most advanced agricultural engineering labs are developing tools such as this but they are still a long way from commercially available.
The most common systems for training peach trees include open vase shapes. To do this, you will need to select several scaffold limbs and remove many of the shoots growing into the center.
Here are two great videos from NC State Extension and our MSU Extension expert on training an caring for peaches: https://youtu.be/u42z2WuC4Nw
https://youtu.be/te3EfCR4x6g
Here are a couple of good articles on the open vase training system:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/training-and-pruning-peach-and-cherry-trees
https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/open-center-pruning-fruit-trees
Here is another great general resource from MSU Extension for growing fruit at home: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/considerations_for_growing_backyard_tree_fruit
Good luck!
Anna
Your tree looks very healthy and vigorous. I agree, it is in need of some significant pruning.
Unfortunately I do not know of such an app, but wouldn't that be nice!? The most advanced agricultural engineering labs are developing tools such as this but they are still a long way from commercially available.
The most common systems for training peach trees include open vase shapes. To do this, you will need to select several scaffold limbs and remove many of the shoots growing into the center.
Here are two great videos from NC State Extension and our MSU Extension expert on training an caring for peaches: https://youtu.be/u42z2WuC4Nw
https://youtu.be/te3EfCR4x6g
Here are a couple of good articles on the open vase training system:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/training-and-pruning-peach-and-cherry-trees
https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/open-center-pruning-fruit-trees
Here is another great general resource from MSU Extension for growing fruit at home: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/considerations_for_growing_backyard_tree_fruit
Good luck!
Anna
Anna! Thank you Greatly for your Reply and insight, And Knowledge. I’m wondering if There’s any Interest in developing this Tool/App in the MSU community/clubs.? It has huge Potential!
Lastly. Can I still prune up until Blooms Drop? I feel bad for this during the trees Active Cycle
Ty .
P.s. I’ve attached some of my Recent pics of my Energetic Peach.
Steve 
Hi Steve-
Sorry for my delay. And I believe I called you 'Ty' in my previous comment. I confused your 'Thank you' short hand for your name!
Yes, it is perfectly ok to prune during or through bloom. Be careful to pick a time that is dry. Cool wet weather is conducive to infection by the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, which causes blossom blast or bacterial canker in stone fruit.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/bacterial_canker_blossom_blast
Anna
Sorry for my delay. And I believe I called you 'Ty' in my previous comment. I confused your 'Thank you' short hand for your name!
Yes, it is perfectly ok to prune during or through bloom. Be careful to pick a time that is dry. Cool wet weather is conducive to infection by the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, which causes blossom blast or bacterial canker in stone fruit.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/bacterial_canker_blossom_blast
Anna
