Abstract
Fruit from Florida’s early maturing peach, nectarine, and Japanese plum cultivars mature in April and May. However, after the fruit is harvested, trees grow vigorously until about November. Trees must therefore be pruned annually to enhance tree growth, reduce fruit thinning costs, and adjust crop load for the following season. During the first two to three years after planting, young trees are trained to develop a branching system or tree canopy that will later support a well distributed crop. Mature, producing trees from about three to ten years of age are usually pruned when dormant (December to February) and during the late spring and summer (May to August). Although each tree will grow differently with few trees being perfectly symmetrical, the overall goal for peaches and nectarines is to develop an open center or vase-shaped tree with a spreading but upright growth habit (Figure 1) and to train Japanese plums that would typically grow very upright to a somewhat spreading pattern (Figure 2). Written for both homeowners and commercial growers, this publication explains concepts underlying recommended tree training and pruning practices.
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