[Jane Cre]

Hi
We planted a peach tree in 2012 and it grew fine.. last year it had 12 peaches on it that all ripened perfectly, however, the lower branches seemed to be dying off and going hard like dead wood.  At the end of the season there were only leaves on the ends of the top branches. 

This year the branches are bare except for the top foot of each branch where there are leaves but no flowers.
Any ideas please?

[Yorkie]

Sorry that nobody has answered your question yet.

I'm not a tree fruit expert, but if you post a picture it may help us have a look at what might be going on.

[Gardener and Rabbit]

Hi Jane,

How are you training/pruning the tree? 

Peaches fruit on younger wood from the previous season, so need regular pruning to create that new wood, normally from April through the Summer.

G&R

[Jane Cre]

I haven't pruned it at all as if I do it won't have any leaves on it.. Maybe that's where we went wrong?

[Gardener and Rabbit]

I'd agree, I think it's got beyond doing much with.  Suggest starting again with a new tree and taking a look online at how to prune a free-standing peach tree. You're  aiming for a lower, bushier shape with a constant supply of new wood coming. They do need regular pruning.

G&R

[Jane Cre]

I'd agree, I think it's got beyond doing much with.  Suggest starting again with a new tree and taking a look online at how to prune a free-standing peach tree. You're  aiming for a lower, bushier shape with a constant supply of new wood coming. They do need regular pruning.

G&R

Many thanks for the reply.. I will look for another tree and learn by my mistakes.. My apple trees and pears and plums are booming.  I guess I didn't read up species specific..

[grinling]

I have the fruit expert book by Dr D G hessayon, very good pictures and helpful.

I personally would try pollarding the tree to see if new grow happens, might not work, but until you can source a new tree, could be worth a try.