Q.Can I Top A Nectarine Tree (1st Year) To 30 Inches Tall Even Though There’s No Branches Below 30 Inches?
I planted my nectarine tree in May this year. The tree was shipped to me already about 4 ft tall with most of the branches above the 30 inch mark (which is the max recommended for the main trunk). The tree company told me it’s already pruned and not to prune it. But i’m concerned that the tree will be too tall. All information i read is to have the main branches between 16 inch and 30 inch for a good scalfolding. If i top the tree at 30 inch, will it stimulate to grow branches below the 30 in mark? When would be the best time to do it, now it’s a hot summer in Houston.

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
This article says, too, to cut it back to 26 to 30 inches tall and remove all the laterals in the first year.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/nectarines/pruning-nectarine-trees.htm

