Laagarden First, tell us where you live. That is important, though almost no one does it. Zones are fine; actual locations are vital. Second, if you are going to give us a photo, give us one of the whole tree. It is not at all evident from the photo you provide just what the problem is. Looks like a normal peach tree in early spring to me. Where and what is the ugly? If your peach tree sets fruit, you should be ready to spray immediately after shuck split with an effective insecticide against plum curculio, and prepare for later attacks by the oriental fruit moth. It might also be wise to combine an effective fungicide like Daconil with your early sprays if you are in a area where peach scab is a problem. If I don't pay attention to these issues in Northern Virginia, I get no peaches. Growing peaches "organically" in most locations is a dream. Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

Even though your tree may be in full sun, the peaches aren't getting the sun because it appears that you're growing the tree with a central leader system. Peach trees need to be pruned to an open vase system that allows the sunlight to get to the fruit.

I have had very good luck using tents of aluminum bubble insulation for figs and pomegranates in my zone and I expect it would work well on peaches in your zone. Here is one of them: Notice how a large area of ground is covered. This allows the warm air of the soil to come up and warm the tree. In your climate with lots of snow I would make it cone-shaped so the snow will slide off. You also need to trim the tree every year to fit under the cover. It is held to the ground with ground staples and the "rope belt" helps keep it from blowing off. In general this can be done with any insulating and wind-blocking material. Don't use plastic however, it will heat up too much in warm spells and the tree will come out of dormancy too early. Scott

I seldom recommend cutting a tree down but in all honesty that is a miserable looking weeping cherry. For that diameter trunk the top should be a wonderful broad earth sweeping canopy in balance with height and girth. My parents had one which you get get inside and hide completely under. However yours is too close to the house for that to be possible and 30 is getting on for a flowering cherry, especially one which has been chopped about. Amazingly, I agree with Ken. Put it out if its misery and plant a new one with enough space around it so that it never needs to be pruned, ever.