Do Peach Trees Have Spurs on Their Branches?

Spur Evolution and Growth

• Many spur-type trees are dwarf-sized mutations of standard variety trees. Shoots must at least be 2 years of age before forming spur shoots, which may be branched or non-branched. Peach spurs are extremely small, short-lived and non-branched. They do not bear fruit. On the other hand, spur-type apple trees produce large, leafy, branched shoots with mixed terminal buds. Both leaves and fruit are produced on the ends of apple tree spurs.

Spur-Type Growth Advantages

• Spurs require minimal pruning and may bear fruit for several years. As a result, spur-type trees do not need annual pruning to stimulate new shoot growth. In addition, spur-type trees are less densely branched than non-spur trees, which further lessens their need for pruning. Moreover, spur-type trees typically remain small, which can be advantageous for home growers with space limitations.

Fruit Production

• Peaches are produced on axillary buds at nodes on 1-year old shoots. Longer shoots are more likely to produce a greater number of fruits than shorter shoots with fewer nodes. However, excessively long shoots, defined as shoots at least 18 inches in length, may produce two buds instead of the usual three buds at each node, resulting in fewer fruit blooms overall. The ideal shoot length is between 10 and 15 inches. Peach flower buds begin forming on trees in the summer. Each flower bud will produce a single fruit.

Peach Tree Pruning

• Fruit-bearing peach trees respond well to pruning. Regular pruning stimulates the production of new growth, which is essential for the following year's crop. It also tends to result in larger fruit. Ideally, prune trees while they are still dormant, just prior to bloom. Remove as much as 50 percent of the weakest and strongest branches, leaving only moderately vigorous shoots. These shoots are the most balanced and will generally produce a higher fruit yield than extremely weak or strong shoots.