We're looking for a Gala peach tree. Will it grow in So. California? Where is it available? If not appropriate for us, suggest an alternate freestone.
Gala is good to zone 8. I am not sure what your zone is in your area, as S. California goes from zone 8 to zone 10. You may also want to look at Babcock, as it is a low chill variety. Or Rio Oso Gem. Both are freestone peaches that do well in most of S. California.
I moved into a new house in June that came with several fruit trees, but I'm afraid two have brown rot (peach trees). Now the biggest concern I have is that the oozing sap appears on the trunk. Am I going to lose my whole tree? Do I cut the thing down and start over? I'm removing mummified fruit and will prune in the spring along with fungicide after blossom fall but I'm terrified my whole tree is doomed.
The oozing is normally indicative of peach tree borers. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-borer.htm This will help with brown rot: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/brown-rot-fungus.htm
Peaches with brown rot for the past two years. First of March - buds not open. How long do I use dormant oil? When and how to use sulfur spray? Fruit tree spray - when to start? Can I use sulfur spray and fruit tree spray at the same time or spray one wait two days spray the other? Thank you!
Dormant oil and sulfur spray are essentially used for the same thing, so you can choose one or the other to apply. To keep brown rot at bay, start treating the tree in early spring before the blossoms open and reapply the fungicide every 2-3 weeks while the tree is in blossom. Reapply the fungicide again when the fruit starts to ripen and changes color, which is normally about 3 weeks before harvest. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/brown-rot-fungus.htm
If peach and nectarine cross pollinate, what is the fruit results on each tree? some people advise not planting next to each other. Good advice or not?
Technically, peach and nectarine are the same fruit. There is literally only one gene difference between the two (which results in a fuzzy or non-fuzzy fruit). Beyond this, cross pollination only affects the seeds (the fruit of tree planted from the seed would be affected). It is only something you need to worry about if you plan on growing trees from the peach or nectarine seeds.
Concerned with insects and disease damage - first time growing these.
If you are concerned with insect pests, then treat the plants with neem oil. This is an effective and safe insecticide which also doubles as a fungicide. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm
My husband wants to spray our 2-year-old peach trees. What type of spray should he use to keep pests and diseases away?
I recommend neem oil. It is organic and very effective. It is often sold as fruit tree spray at stores. Check the label. Here is more information on neem oil: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm
How do I care for peach trees?
This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-care.htm