How to Manage Pests

First-year pruning

After planting, cut back the peach and nectarine trees to 22 to 24 inches. Peaches may have numerous lateral branches. After topping the tree back, cut the uppermost remaining shoots or branches back to 6 inches. Lower branches should be cut back to 4 to 5 inches. These will be used to select scaffolds during the growing season. Cut off all other branches back to one bud to provide shade for the bark. Peaches and nectarines produce fruit laterally on 1-year-old shoots. It is not uncommon for them to produce fruit the first season after planting. However, avoid allowing fruit to develop in the first two or three years after planting. Whitewash or paint with diluted interior water-based paint to protect from sunburn and reduce borer damage. Avoid water stress, especially in the first 2 years of development.