Hello Kyle

This is a complete backyard fruit pests guide, showing pictures of what the flower and leaf buds look like at various stages. These stages indicate when you should spray- see page 29 for the peach spray schedule:

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ID/ID-146-W.pdf

Protecting pollinators while treating trees is another concern of which to be aware- this consists of spraying trees early or late in the day when bees are not active— http://msue.anr.msu.edu/uploads/236/68700/E-3245.pdf

Here are some references for you to get you started:

https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/mw_home_fruit_productn_b591.pdf

https://williamshane.weebly.com/peach.html

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/considerations_for_growing_backyard_tree_fruit

Note that for small trees you can also use organic options for some insect pests- i.e. kaolin clay and bagging fruit to keep insect pests to a minimum. Small trees may be covered after pollination with a floating row cover or fine netting gathered at the bottom. ( netting or covers must be checked daily to release any trapped insects or wildlife).

https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2070/2019/09/EM066E.pdf

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bagging-apples-for-insect-and-disease-control/

Or a comprehensive spray program can be followed. Sprays are needed to prevent some fungal infections. Timing is critical when applying pest sprays. Always follow the label directions and cautions—-“the label is the law.”

MSU and other extensions have many articles, and some videos, on these topics. Choose northern states for the most pertinent info. Don’t forget your local library which may have good books to help you.

Yes, you may paint trunks with a 50/50 mixture of water based Interior house paint and water. This helps reflect sunlight in winter and reduces sunscald and frost cracking.

However, it does not protect from winter foraging animals like voles, rabbits, deer. For that you want to install a hardware cloth cylinder firmly staked to the ground, or a light colored tree wrap. Tree wraps should be removed each spring about March or April when moderate temperatures return.

More here-

https://www.uvm.edu/news/extension/preparing-fruit-trees-winter

regards,

Laura