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24-04-2004, 05:02 PM

writes:
I have a couple of semi dwarf peach trees which are 4 years old and
which are in bloom at the moment . Today I noticed a couple of small
dead branches on them which I missed pruning in late winter . Can I
prune them off now or is it too late in the season for this ? I heard
not to prune when trees are in bloom . Also there might be a very light
frost next week (down to 32 degrees ) Will this hurt the blossoms and
if yes what can I do about it ??
Please help !!
Rosie z5 in IN

I certainly am *not* an orchardist; however, it would make sense to not
prune when the trees are in bloom so as to *not* knock off blossoms.
Without blossoms, there is no fruit. (This is aside from the dormancy
issue.)

Regarding the time of year, I suspect it is too late to properly prune
since that is to be done when the tree is dormant (late fall to late
winter/early spring) when there is no significant activity in the
branches/limbs. I would interpret that to mean absence of any
leaves/buds/blossoms which indicate sap is flowing.

Glenna