Few of life’s simple pleasures are as satisfying as the sweet taste of a ripe peach or nectarine plucked from your own Florida tree. When your stone fruit trees are properly pruned and cultivated, you can look forward to many years of bountiful harvests. Timely tree trimming is the key to achieving great results. Waiting for trees to lose their leaves before pruning doesn’t always ensure success, however. Here’s what you need to know before making the first cut.

Going Dormant

Stone fruit trees continue to grow vigorously for months after their fruit is harvested. Leaf fall is usually a sign that the tree is entering its annual dormant stage when the energy used for wood growth is redirected towards the production of fruit-bearing buds. The University of Florida recommends pruning peach and nectarine trees between December and February, before the first bud breaks. Correct dormant pruning is particularly important during the first few years of growth to select branches that will help the tree grow into the desired shape.

Pruning and Fruit Production

Because peaches and nectarines grow on one-year-old wood, trimming too much young growth will reduce the yield next year. Conversely, strategic pruning in the off season can potentially produce two years of growth in a single year. A second pruning in the late spring or summer can result in more fruit, but there are other factors to consider as well. You may prefer a smaller yield of larger fruit or you may want to make sure that the fruit can be easily harvested without using a ladder. Enlisting help from a tree trimming professional is the best way to ensure the outcome best for you.

With our extensive knowledge of Florida’s most popular types of stone fruit trees, Warner Tree Service helps families all over the Tampa Bay region enjoy abundant peach and nectarine harvests each year. For more information about how proper tree trimming can improve your life at home, explore our broad range of tree care services or call us today at 727-478-2864.