What is an effective borer control for peach trees in my area (northern Utah)? I have tried numerous systemics, sprays and natural means (pheramone traps and spinosad). Nothing works like lindane did and now I cannot find lindane anymore. What do you suggest?
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-borer.htm
I have planted a new peach tree. Should I put mulch (pine straw) around it? Thank you.
Mulching around trees and other plants is always a good idea, especially organic types like pine straw, shredded bark, leaves, etc. When applying mulch around your tree, keep it at least an inch away from the trunk and about 2-4 inches thick.
It bears a lot of fruit, but the fruit has worms in them.
Your tree has borers. This article will help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-borer.htm
Nearly all of our peaches have a spot where something that looks like sap is coming out and the peach falls off. Also, how do your treat the brown rot where the peaches start with a small spot and the peaches eventually turn all brown and shrivel up and fall off.?
This sounds like brown rot. This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/brown-rot-fungus.htm
I have a Saturn peach tree planted 3 years ago and last year it produced a few peaches. Before they ripened, the squirrels got them. My question is. . . do the leaves of this type of tree typically fall off in the winter? I do not remember that they fell off last year, but this year (December) the limbs are almost bare. Thank you.
Yes, this tree is deciduous, losing its leaves in fall/winter. For future reference, this article will help with your squirrel problem: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/get-rid-squirrels.htm
Yes, that is normal. Peaches, Nectarines, Plums and the like are 'Deciduous' not 'Evergreen' like Citrus. I have 2 peach and 1 nectarine in San Diego and all of them are nearly bear. When the weather starts to warm, you will first get buds that turn to beautiful pink blossoms. Then your leaves will start to sprout. All letting you know that it's Spring!
Cut and paste this website for more information. Follow closely for a wonderful tree:
http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pda_85a6.html
Some of he tree's branches are lower than 5'. I would like to prune the lowest branches. Also, what sprays should I apply to stop brown spots and worms in the fruit? I would appreciate your advice on either or both questions.
The best time of year to prune is in February, once the danger of frost has passed but before any fruit has begun budding/blooming. First you need to do some cleanup pruning. Prune out what is dead and any weak branches, especially if they are crossing other branches. Once the clean up pruning is done, if you have any fruit left on this tree, you need to thin it out. This article will help with that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-thinning.htm
I personally like neem oil for worms and pests, as it is both a pesticide and fungus but does not hurt bees or other beneficial insects and is also safe for people. Here is more information on it: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm
If the worms, or peach borers, have been an issue, then this article should help as well: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-borer.htm
How is soil"corrected" to pH 6.5? What fertilizers do peach trees want? How do I determine how much to water peach trees? If leaves turn sort of yellow, am told they needed iron. Is this right? Thank you.
Correcting the pH to 6.5 requires that you know what pH you're starting with. If you don't know, you can have a soil test done by the county extension service (This link will help you find the nearest office:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-extension-service.htm ) or you can buy an inexpensive home test kit in any plant store. The home test is not as exact, but it will give you a general idea. Once you determine the existing pH, you can add certain minerals to either raise or lower it, but be aware any changes will take several months to a year. These articles tells you more about pH: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/raise-acid-level-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/lower-acid-soil.htm
Yellowing leaves can be caused by many things, but iron deficiency is usually signaled by yellowing between the veins, while the veins stay green. This article has more information on that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/leaf-chlorosis-and-iron.htm
You've also asked about peaches. Here are some articles to help with your basic knowledge: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-care.htm
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/overwatering-peach-trees-22791.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/fertilizing-peach-trees.htm