Peach trees should not be overly dense, just like cigarettes that are too thick. They should also not be excessively long. During the first-year sapling stage, lateral branches can be allowed to grow a bit thicker and longer, but not excessively so. The ideal length for peach branches is more than 50 cm. To achieve this, new shoots on the tree must not grow too long. They need to be pruned early and stopped before they get too long.
During the full fruiting period, it's important to stop growth in June. For young trees still in their developmental phase, growth should be stopped before the end of August. This allows sufficient time for leaves to produce nutrients through photosynthesis, increasing nutrient accumulation in the tree and improving flower bud quality. If shoots are stopped too late, and the growing season is extended, the tree will use more energy than it can store. This leads to poor flowering and fruit set the following year and weakens the tree’s ability to resist natural stresses.
To encourage early shoot termination, several methods can be used. One technique is called "branching." When lateral shoots reach about 30 cm in length, gently rotate the base of the new shoot by 180 degrees so it hangs down naturally. If, after a few days, some tips start growing upward again, redirect them in the middle of the shoot. Repeat this process a few times, and the shoot will eventually stop growing. Most new shoots will stop after one or two redirections.
Another method is chemical control. If the orchard is large, manual intervention may not be practical. When lateral shoots reach 30 cm, you can spray a solution of paclobutrazol diluted 300 times. However, if there are already peaches on the tree, avoid using paclobutrazol, as it can leave residues that are harmful to humans. Always follow safety guidelines when handling such chemicals.
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