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The Average Width of a Peach Tree

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Shoots left dead by tip blight become susceptible to other infections, including the aggressive Leucostoma fungus.
Shoots left dead by tip blight become susceptible to other infections, including the aggressive Leucostoma fungus.Getty

The peach trees (​Prunus persica​) growing in orchards and backyards in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9 are actually native to China. A mature peach tree height and width varies, depending on whether it is a standard, semi-dwarf or dwarf tree. Peaches produce edible fruit that are clingstone or freestone, with yellow or white flesh depending on the variety. Clingstone peach flesh adheres tightly to the pit, while freestone separates easily.

Mature Peach Tree and Size

With proper care, Master Gardener Steve Albert reports that a standard peach tree grows 18 to 20 feet tall and equally wide. However, when pruned properly, standard trees are kept at a height of 10 to 12 feet tall and wide. Semi-dwarf trees generally grow 8 to 12 feet tall and wide, while dwarf trees reach 5 to 6 feet tall and wide.

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Peach tree spacing varies according to the mature size of the tree. In general, space standard trees at 20 feet, semi-dwarf trees at 12 feet and dwarf trees at 6 feet apart. If planting a dwarf tree in a container, transplant into an 18 inch wide and equally deep pot. In two years, move it into a 24 inch wide and deep pot.

According to Stark Bro's, peach trees begin bearing fruit between 2 to 4 years after transplanting into the garden or, in the case of dwarf trees, into large containers. The trees reach their peak production at 8 to 12 years of age. The peach tree growth rate is rapid -- about 25 inches in a year, with most peach trees having a life span of 15 to 20 years.

Chill and Peach Trees

Most varieties of peach trees require 600 to 900 hours of winter chill with temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for successful fruit set. However, there are low-chill varieties for milder climates with 200 to 400 required chill hours. Peach trees that experience insufficient chilling have delayed leaf production, produce a small crop, and eventually die. Insufficient chilling can also lead to slow vegetative growth that affects tree width.

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Among the low-chill cultivars are 'August Pride,' producing large aromatic fruit in mid-season; 'Bonita,' that bears large fruit with firm, yellow flesh in mid-season; and 'Flordaprince,' that produces medium, high-quality fruit early in the season. Low-chill peach trees grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.

Peach Trees and Pruning

Peach trees require more pruning than other fruit trees. The fruit is produced on one-year-old branches, so severe annual pruning of branches older than two years encourages new growth that will become fruiting wood. It also promotes fruit growth throughout the tree instead of at the ends of branches. Pruning improves the size and quality of the fruit when removing weak or crowded branches. Pruning is also necessary to keep trees a certain size or to grow peach trees as espalier.

Espalier is a method of pruning fruit trees so they grow relatively flat against a sunny wall or along a fence. The microclimate created by a south-facing wall helps keep the tree, its branches and buds alive in a colder winter climate and provide extra warmth in cool summer locations.

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The University of Georgia Extension recommends removing root suckers and any growth below the graft as soon as it appears. This growth is from the vigorous rootstock and can overwhelm the cultivar, resulting in less desirable fruit, or no peaches at all. Before you prune, put on gloves and safety goggles and sterilize pruning tools with Lysol or wiping between cuts with a rag dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Peach Tree Needs

For successful growth, peach trees need an area with full sun and well-drained soil. The trees are self-fruitful, so there is no need to plant a second tree, though a second, compatible cultivar can increase the harvest of both trees. Good air circulation is important to reduce the risk of disease, so prune to allow air circulation through the branches. Peach trees are prone to certain diseases, such as peach leaf curl and brown rot - both caused by fungus. To control disease, practice good sanitation practices and destroy diseased limbs and branches.


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References

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Based in Indiana, Molly Allman holds a B.A. in professional writing. She works as both a writer and author and enjoys writing articles on many different topics. She specializes in topics concerning health, crafts, family and lifestyles. Her fiction writing appears in "Bewildering Stories," "The Other Herald" and "Spectacular Speculations."