Fact or Fiction: The average lifespan of a peach and nectarine tree is 12 years.
Fact. Unlike permanent crops that last for 40 years, peach and nectarine trees only last for about 12 years.
Year 1 though 3 the tree is not producing any fruit but is concentrated on growing a good base for peach production years.
Year 4 through 8 are peak production times. Depending upon the variety these trees could produce over 2,500 boxes an acre. Starting about year 8 the tree starts producing less and less fruit.
By about year 12 the production amount has lowered so much that it is beneficial to the grower to replant a new variety.