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Vigorous Peach Tree Growth #875600

Asked July 02, 2024, 8:17 AM EDT

Hi, I/we have three red haven peach trees in our yard. They are growing so fast. There is new growth everywhere on the limbs, as much as 16 inches by June 1. I topped them off and cut off a lot of the new growths just to open up the tree and be able to do a better job of spraying. They responded with a bunch more shoots and have filled in the openings again... I planted the trees with the graft buried about 4 inches below the ground level. I wonder if this had any effect on their heavy growth. One tree is 22 years old and the other two are 4 years old. When I was growing up in Leelanau county I worked at an orchard with 13 acres of red haven peaches and I don't remember this over growing. These trees are real good producers. Did I plant them to deep. We live in central Ohio now. I will be removing the old tree because of storm damage and replacing her with two new trees and wonder if I need to adjust my planting procedure?? Thank You.

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

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2024, 6:40 AM EDT

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

The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2024, 7:32 AM EDT

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