Question
Hello,
We received a Peach or Nectarine tree from a friend (we now believe it to be a nectarine tree) - it had grown from a seed out of his compost pile.  We planted it several years ago, and for the last 2 years the tree has produced a ton fruit, but the fruit stops growing before reaching maturity.  We feel like we've given it plenty of water - so we don't know know what's happening to stop the growth.  Any ideas??

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Jamie,
Thanx for your question.  There are several possiblities.  Fruit trees will produce a lot of fruit but if the fruit are not thinned out, they will be of a low quality size, shape and flavor.  There are guidelines for removing excess fruit in order to get large, juicy tasty fruit.  Here is an excellent guide from the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service.  I think if you will use these guidelines for thinning your fruit, you will get larger, better quality fruit.  I hope this helps.
Tom

http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/horticulture/ec1233.pdf