Knowledgebase
Vigorous Peach Tree Growth #875600
Asked July 02, 2024, 8:17 AM EDT
Leelanau County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi, my name is Emily Lavely, and I am the tree fruit educator in West central MI. That's an interesting question. Are you seeing this new vigorous growth on the old and young red haven trees or just the young trees? Do you know what the rootstock for the peach trees is? Have you fertilized the trees/yard around the trees this year?
We also plant peach trees by burying the graft below the soil line. We typically bury the graft union by 2 - 4 inches so I don't think your planting depth would be a problem. Peach trees can be very vigorous and especially with all the rain this season, you may be seeing excessive growth simply due to do the weather. I did a quick search of rainfall accumulation in Ohio, and according to the national weather service map, it looks like central Ohio received more rain than normal this spring.
We also recommend pruning shoots in the center of the tree in the summer to clear out shoots and open up the canopy so light can penetrate. Growers that I work with have been summer pruning the past few weeks, so you are right on target pruning the shoots in the center of the tree to get better air flow and let light into the center of the tree.
If you're interested, below is an article with more information about summer pruning. My general thought is that the trees are just growing well and are responding to the weather by growing vigorously, but I'm happy to discuss further if you think the rootstock, fertilizer, or something else may be contributing.
Correct summer pruning techniques for peach trees stressed - Fruit Growers News
Thanks,
Emily
Thank you Emily. You put my mind at ease. We are picking peaches now and they are really good. I plan on thinning out some of the wild growth after we finish picking. Thanks again. Dave Kolarik