What should I do about the shoots coming out of the ground at the base of my peach tree? I planted the tree in early summer and now there are several shoots about 6-8" around the base of the tree. Should I cut them or leave them?
The shoots that appear from the base of the tree are growing from the graft stock and should be removed as soon as they appear.
They can take energy away from the tree.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-care.htm
Will a self-pollinating peach pollinate a peach tree the needs pollination?
Yes, as long as they are planted less than 50 feet apart and bloom at the same time, a self-pollinating peach can pollinate any other peach tree.
I have a 4 year old peach tree that seems to be growing well. It produces a lot of fruit, but they are the size of golf balls and will not get any bigger. What am I doing wrong? I tried pruning it back in the fall and I tried thinning them out when they first started budding, but nothing seems to work. They grow fine but never get bigger than a golf ball. Can you please help me, or is it a lost cause? Thank you very much in advance.
Thinning is the critical step to prevent this problem:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-thinning.htm
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/peach/faq/when_can_peach_thinning_be_done_and_how_when_is_the_best_time_and_why_are_there_any_potential_problems.html
If you are already thinning enough and at the right time, then it could be a problem with watering, fertilizer, or disease. Check carefully for any signs of insect or other infestation. See these articles for advice on peach watering and fertilization:
https://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6030
http://homeorchard.ucanr.edu/Fruits_&_Nuts/Peach/
How can I treat fungus on Peach Tree?
This article outlines the most common diseases that occur in Peach Trees.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/common-peach-diseases.htm
Has anyone ever heard of a red leaf peach tree? My father and grandfather each had two of those peach trees. This was about fifty years ago. The leaves were red and the peaches were small but delicious. I would like to buy one somewhere. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Vera.
The "Flat Wonderful" peach has reddish/purplish leaves and is supposed to have delicious fruit. However, this is a new variety, so it can't be the one you remember.
There are several peach varieties, such as Bonfire and Rutgers Redleaf, that are used ornamentally, but these are not supposed to have tasty fruit. The one you remember could also be an older or "heirloom" variety. You could try asking around in heirloom gardening communities.
I have a donut peach tree that is 5 years old. It has produced a lot of fruit in years 2 and 3, but only about 50 in season 4 and 3 in season 5. I even brought my beehive to help with pollination last year. I noticed little bee activity on the tree. I tried to pollinate by hand. I had tons of blossoms. No fruit (well, only 3). Why? Larry Johnson
This article may help you identify the problem:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/tree-with-no-peaches.htm
If tiny fruit formed from the blossoms, but it fell off, this could be the result of harsh weather (cold, excessive heat, drought) or over- or underwatering.
I live in the Austin, TX area. My three year old peach tree has buds but they are grey. It is now March. Are they dead? What should I do?
Excess cold certainly can kill off the buds. The article below will help you determine the health of the buds and tree.
https://extension.psu.edu/plants/tree-fruit/news/2015/assessing-low-temperature-injury-in-peach
I would also encourage you to contact your County Extension Office. They will have information on temperatures and the effects on the local plant material. Also if you have tree damage, they can use this information to help other gardeners.
Here is a link to help you locate your nearest office.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/