Are peach trees worth the hassle?

I live in SE MA and moved into a house with many peach trees growing in the yard. They have not produced fruit in three years due to various diseases. I managed to control the leaf disease this year but a weevil destroyed all the fruits. Three trees have died and judging by the bark peeling itself off some of the other trees this won’t be the last. Is it even worth the hassle in maintaining these trees? They are very mature and I would hate to have to get rid of them but I got into permaculture partly so I wouldn’t have to constantly maintain things.

Hi Nick,
I hate the thought of cutting down mature trees, especially fruit trees. I am also not a professional when it comes to fruit trees, so take this with a grain of salt.

I have heard (and had limited experience myself) that peach trees in the northeast are extremely finicky. Also, I have heard if you get more than 7 years of fruiting out of them in the northeast, you are doing well.

I live in Upstate New York and have my first peach tree. I am by no means an expert, but I have heard that the 'life' of peach trees are short here. By life I mean productivity. I have currently an Elberta Peach which is doing all right. I have it planted near two apple trees and so far no pests.

I'll keep an eye on this thread and see what people advise!

Peach trees grow fast and die young. At least where I am, by about 12 years old they are so riddled with cankers that it's time to replace them. For me, deep winter kill and late frosts also wipe out the peach crop about 1 in 3 years. That being said, on the years we get peaches they are amazing and makes the effort worthwhile.