Q&A for How to Plant a Peach Tree

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  • Question
    When do I prune peach trees?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    You should do most of your pruning in late winter, before spring growth begins.
  • Question
    How deep or wide do full grown peach tree roots grow?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    The depth and width of mature peach tree roots depends on the variety, but tends to range between 10 to 20 feet out from the tree.
  • Question
    How far apart should I plant peach trees?
    Community Answer
    This depends on your tree variety and its spread. Standard size trees need more room, up to 18 feet. Dwarf and semidwarf varieties need less spacing; about 10 to 14 feet shuyld be sufficient. Plan on spacing trees as far apart as their expected height.
  • Question
    How big does the tree get?
    Community Answer
    It can grow up to 25 feet tall.
  • Question
    Which month is best for planting peach trees?
    Community Answer
    November to the end of February (or March or even April in the north of Scotland).
  • Question
    I planted one peach tree last year. Someone told me you should always plant two. Is this true?
    Community Answer
    No, you only need one peach tree if you only want one. I only have one and the 5th year mine yielded a small bushel full of peaches throughout the summer.
  • Question
    How tall are peach trees?
    Community Answer
    They are about 15-20 feet tall on average. There are dwarf versions that grow 12-15 feet as well.
  • Question
    My peach tree had leaf buds when I bought it, and it has several tall main branches. I trimmed the rest, but it isn't leafing out. Is it dead?
    Community Answer
    No, it's probably not dead. Check the condition of the plant and consider replanting.
  • Question
    How far from the wall should I plant a peach tree?
    Community Answer
    At least 20 ft. You don't want the tree's roots to damage your house's foundation.
  • Question
    How do I know whether I should bring my potted peach tree indoors for the winter?
    Community Answer
    Your peach needs a chill period to fruit correctly. It will be fine left out through the winter. Water less if in a pot, because the roots may freeze if they're too wet.
  • Question
    Can you plant citrus trees nearby?
    Community Answer
    I wouldn't, as citrus trees make the soil very acidic, which could be harmful to your peach trees.
  • Question
    My peach tree is 7 years old, but the fruit tastes tart. Is it because of the kind of peach tree I have or does it need more fertilizer?
    Community Answer
    It needed more fertilizer or other macro nutrients, probably potassium or phosphorus. Next time, look up peach tree fertilizer requirements before adding any.
  • Question
    Are ants on my peach tree dangerous?
    Community Answer
    They may eat your peaches before you get to them.
  • Question
    When I bought the tree from a nursery, I put it in the shade and it was good. After a few weeks I moved it to a 6 hour+ sun location and all the leaves turned orange and started falling. Help?
    Community Answer
    It sounds like the tree was getting too much water. After heavy rainfalls mine have yellowed. Not to worry, they fall off and more will grow. Ease off the water. Peach trees need good drainage and do not like their roots sitting in water.
  • Question
    How often should a new peach tree get watered?
    Community Answer
    On average, mature peach trees require at least 36 inches of water per year.
  • Question
    Can I plant a peach tree in the same hole where an old dead peach tree had been?
    Community Answer
    If the old tree simply died due to old age, then the nutrients leftover from the decomposed remnants of the tree may be a key supplement to your new peach tree. If the old tree died from disease or lack of nutrients, however, avoid doing that as the new tree risks getting the same diseases from spores, etc. left behind.
  • Question
    Can I grow a peach tree with just the pit? How long will it take to grow?
    Community Answer
    Yes, seedlings throw true to the parent stock. Keep them pruned to about 2 metres, for ease of picking. They should fruit every year.
  • Question
    Will a tree still bear fruit if I do not allow it to grow large?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can prune trees to about 2 meters for ease of picking and they will still be fruiting.
  • Question
    How can I get rid of worms inside of my peaches when they are ripening?
    Community Answer
    To discourage future outbreaks, remove infested fruit. Plant varieties that produce before the pest emerges. 'Tropic Beauty,' for example, is a 150-chill-hour peach that produces before the curculio is active. Ask your nurseryman or your extension office for an appropriate insecticide. Use pesticides and suggest using other protections that deter bugs and worms.
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