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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Training

Young trees are pruned to develop a tree structure that supports the limbs that ultimately support the heavy fruit load during the season. The goal of training is to develop a sturdy tree and a canopy that is capable of producing large crops and fills its allotted space. Training occurs during the first 2 to 3 years after planting and should be completed before fruit is allowed to set.

Peaches and nectarines are not suited to trellising because they bear fruit on 1-year-old wood and so require heavy annual pruning to keep them productive. They can be trained to the open center or vase system where the center is open and has 3 or 4 main scaffolds with no central leader. Remember that exposed limbs on young trees sunburn easily. Protect exposed limbs with a 50:50 mix of white interior latex paint and water or whitewash.

Vase
A vase-shaped open center tier

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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