How to Determine the Age of a Peach Tree
If you are lucky enough to have a peach tree on your property, enjoy it while it's there. According to the South Carolina Peach Council, peach trees are relatively short-lived. Most die after 20 years. Determining the exact age of the peach tree is difficult, unless you cut it down and count the rings in the trunk. Trees develop one ring for each year of growth. Instead, consider the typical growth pattern of peach trees to determine the approximate age of the peach tree.
Measure the tree's height. At planting, most peach trees are 20 to 24 inches high. At maturity, (8 to 12 years old) a standard peach tree is 15 to 20 feet high. Knowing this, you can estimate that a tree between those two ranges in height is a young tree, probably between 2 and 7 years old.
- If you are lucky enough to have a peach tree on your property, enjoy it while it's there.
- Knowing this, you can estimate that a tree between those two ranges in height is a young tree, probably between 2 and 7 years old.
Estimate the tree's rate of fruit production at harvest. Peach trees produce fruit as early as two years after planting, with a good harvest after four years. Eight- to 12-year-old trees produce the most fruit, with as much as four to 10 bushels each year. Trees older than 12 years decline in vigor, producing less fruit and finally ceasing production altogether.
Examine the tree for leaves and blossoms. Trees younger than 15 years show vigorous growth in the spring with prolific leaves and blossoms. As the tree ages, it produces fewer leaves and blossoms and may have dead wood with no growth at all.
- Estimate the tree's rate of fruit production at harvest.
- Trees older than 12 years decline in vigor, producing less fruit and finally ceasing production altogether.
Determine The Age Of A Peach Tree
Measure the height of your peach tree. A dwarf tree stops growing at 6 feet tall. If the tree has never been pruned, calculate its approximate age from its height, with one year for each 12 inches. Even if your tree has been pruned, a significant branch spread may give you a clue to the age of the tree. Maximum fruit production starts at about 6 years old and continues for some 12 years. If your tree fills with fruit in the summer, it is likely between six and 18 years old. Inspect new growth in the springtime. As peach trees get older, they lose their vigor and produce less fruiting wood. Keep your eye on fruiting patterns as well. That puts it at about 18 years old.
- Measure the height of your peach tree.
- If your tree fills with fruit in the summer, it is likely between six and 18 years old.
Tip
Grow peach trees in full sun on a gently sloping hill so frost pockets drain away from it.
Warning
Spring frosts in temperate climates destroy blossoms, reducing fruit. Grow cold-adapted varieties and plant them close to a house or sheltered by other trees.
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References
Tips
- Grow peach trees in full sun on a gently sloping hill so frost pockets drain away from it.
Warnings
- Spring frosts in temperate climates destroy blossoms, reducing fruit. Grow cold-adapted varieties and plant them close to a house or sheltered by other trees.
Writer Bio
Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes."
