Pruning a young tree controls its shape by developing a strong, well-balanced framework of scaffold branches. Unwanted branches should be removed or cut back early to avoid the necessity of large cuts in later years. Because stone fruit trees bear fruit on wood that grew the previous year, the pruning system best suited to keeping the fruit-bearing surface close to the ground is called the open center. Pruning and training the trees to this system produces a vase-shaped tree.
All stone fruits are very susceptible to brown rot.
Open-center trees allow better air circulation within the tree and better light penetration, both important factors in reducing the development of brown rot on fruit. If you purchase an unbranched tree, or one with no branches 20 to 30 inches above the soil line, cut the tree at 26 to 30 inches above the ground after planting. If you purchase a tree with healthy branches located 18 to 30 inches above the soil line, select three or four, one at each of the compass points. Choose branches that initially develop from the main axis at a 60 to 90 degree angle. During the summer, pinch off any shoots that begin to grow toward the center of the tree.