How to Prune an Almond Tree

Almond trees can provide an aesthetically pleasing and food producing addition to your property. Pruning an almond tree ensures the tree looks nice and grows well. It also provides better ventilation and lighting for the tree. Pruning should occur when the almond tree is dormant in December or January. According to Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Tri-River Area, cuts should be made where the wood is 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter and near a strong outward-growing lateral branch. Use pruning shears for thinner limbs and use a bow saw for the thickest branches. Lopping shears can be used for medium thick limbs.

Things You'll Need

• Lopping shears
• Pruning shears
• Bow saw
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Assess the tree's condition and determine the pruning cuts your tree requires. Evaluate the overall shape of the tree, thickness of the canopy and strength of the branches. Cut branches which are not part of the ideal shape for your tree, make the canopy too thick and are weaker.

2. Thin out the limbs leaning toward one direction, which is usually the south due to the sun's affect on the tree. Cut limbs in that area of the tree until the coverage is optimal. You want the tree to be balanced.

3. Remove limbs inside the canopy if the wind is pushing the canopy into the tree trunk. This will enable the remaining limbs to grow stronger and establish a better growing space for the almonds.

4. Remove one third of each limb or shoot that is too limber. Cut the limb or shoot one third of the way to the trunk. These stiffening cuts help strengthen the limbs or shoots.

5. Thin out the tree to provide lighting and ventilation throughout. Remove crossing over and parallel limbs, or limbs that occupy the same space. The remaining limbs should be spaced out as evenly as possible to provide the entire tree with the same access to light and air.

6. Evaluate your pruning by the amount of sunlight you see throughout the canopy or the amount of sky you can see through the canopy. You can also assess the strength of the branches by monitoring the wind's affect on the tree.

7. Wait at least one year before pruning the tree again. It is okay to prune every two to three years, according to Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Tri-River Area.

References

• Kern County University of California Cooperative Extension
• Wegmans Nursery
• Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Tri River Area