no buds or leaves on saturn peach tree

Question

The tree is 3 years old. Last year it produced only one fruit. This year, no leaves, no flowers and if there were any buds, the birds seem to have developed an interest in them. Is my tree dead? Should it have been watered daily or weekly? My husband said the tree only needed to be watered the first year. Is that true?

Answer 1

Do the branches bend or break off?

Do the bark scratch test, if you scratch under the bark and see green, the tree is still alive.
If under the bark is tan or brown, the tree has died off.
On average your Peach Tree should receive 36 inches of water per year.
You will need to water regularly to reach this amount.

Here are links with more information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/watering-newly-planted-tree.htm

http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/fruit-and-nuts/stone-fruit/trickle-irrigation-the-water-needs-of-young-peach-trees