Q: How soon after planting can a peach tree be given its first pruning to develop the wine glass shape desired? 

A: The first pruning is usually done a few minutes after the tree is planted. Many growers cut the entire top of the tree off at their own belt level. Doing this forces the tree to sprout three or four limbs near the pruning cut. These limbs are trained to grow outward a few feet during the first year and then are allowed to grow upward. This forms the wine glass shape that promotes optimum peach fruit production.