The almond tree is known worldwide for its valuable fruit, the almond, which is the seed contained within a drupe. Belonging to the Rosaceae family, this plant is particularly long-lived and originates from Asia, although its cultivation has spread throughout the Mediterranean and other regions with a suitable climate. Until a few decades ago, southern Italy was one of the leading almond production centres, and it still survives international competition thanks to the high quality of its harvest.
Pruning the almond tree is essential for ensuring the plant’s health and productivity, as it helps improve its structure, stimulates balanced growth, and optimizes both the quality and quantity of harvested almonds. To achieve these goals, it is crucial to use professional tools, such as those designed and developed by Campagnola using advanced technologies: from pneumatic tools to electric pruning shears with plug-in batteries, chain pruners, and manual pruning tools—Campagnola offers a complete range of essential solutions for achieving professional results at every stage of pruning.
But when and how should you prune the almond tree?
When to Prune the Almond Tree: The Right Timing
The success of pruning operations depends on the techniques used and the optimal timing for intervention. The right moment is selected based on the local climate and the specific almond variety being cultivated. In any case, pruning is mainly conducted in two key periods, each with a specific objective.
- Winter pruning is the main pruning intervention and is performed during the dormant season, preferably around February. By removing dry, damaged, or unproductive branches, this step protects plant health while reducing the risk of diseases and insect infestations on wounds. Moreover, winter pruning prepares the tree for the new growing season, encouraging healthy and vigorous shoot development.
- Green pruning, performed in spring/summer, aims to maintain a balance between vegetative growth and fruit production. It also improves light exposure and airflow within the canopy, preventing phytosanitary issues while maintaining the desired shape and size of the almond tree.
Pruning the Almond Tree at Different Life Stages: First Year, Mature, Old Trees
Almond tree pruning varies according to the plant’s life stage and must be adapted to its specific needs. Each phase requires dedicated interventions to preserve strength, health, and productivity. Here is how to proceed, year after year.
First-Year Almond Tree Pruning
Right after planting, pruning is essential to establish a strong and well-balanced structure, which promotes the tree’s growth, protects it from diseases and environmental challenges, optimizes fruit production, and facilitates harvesting.
Training or formative pruning encourages the development of 3-5 main branches around the trunk, ensuring adequate exposure to light and air circulation. This pruning is usually done as soon as the plant starts vegetating, favouring the strongest branches and removing weaker ones that could hinder balanced growth.
Pruning a Mature Almond Tree
The almond tree is considered young within its first 2-5 years. During this stage, it is crucial to focus on production pruning, which has two main goals:
- Preserving the chosen training system
- Optimizing fruit production
How is it done? By removing damaged, dry, or excessively vigorous branches that consume excessive nutrients, weakening the productive parts of the canopy. Ideally, each branch should have a couple of wood buds, which will develop into flowers and, later, precious almonds, while still allowing some vegetative growth.
Once the tree reaches six years, pruning becomes a maintenance task. The goal is to preserve productivity, structure, and overall health. At this stage, pruning should be moderate, focusing on removing sick, weak, or overcrowded branches to ensure good light penetration and air circulation in the canopy.
Pruning Old Almond Trees & Rejuvenation Pruning
When an almond tree exceeds 15-20 years, it requires rejuvenation pruning, which stimulates the growth of new shoots and restores order in an overly dense canopy. This pruning involves more aggressive cuts, shortening main branches by up to one-third and removing a substantial portion of the existing branches.
In extreme cases, drastic pruning may be required – this should only be performed if the tree is seriously diseased or has suffered severe damage due to frost, fire, or storms. Drastic pruning involves removing all damaged branches and significantly shortening healthy ones while leaving some buds to promote new shoot development.
This intervention must be conducted precisely, using professional tools that minimize plant stress. Additionally, wounds should be sealed with healing compounds, and the plant should be closely monitored to assess its recovery potential.
Essential Campagnola Tools for Almond Tree Pruning
Whether it is training, production, rejuvenation, or drastic pruning, precise cuts are essential. Choosing high-quality, technologically advanced tools ensures optimal results. Campagnola provides a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to meet the needs of professionals striving for excellence in almond cultivation.
Which pruning tools does Campagnola offer for professionals?
- Plug-in battery-powered electric pruning shears, such as STARK XM or STARK XL, are ideal for clean cuts on medium-diameter branches. They can also be paired with telescopic extension poles for high-branch work in total safety.
- T-REX and T-FOX electric chain pruners are perfect for thicker branches. Their interchangeable plug-in batteries, compatible with other Campagnola tools, allow seamless and uninterrupted work.
- STARK 90-160-220 V1 electric pruning shears on poles and T-REX 160-240 / T-REX 250-300 telescopic chain pruners enable safe pruning at height without a ladder.
- The KRONOS 58 electric pruner, powered by the LI-ION 700 backpack battery, offers over 8 hours of runtime with a weight of only 3.7 kg.
- Pneumatic chain pruners, such as LASER, LINX, and AUTOLUBE M.3, are designed for intensive pruning and must be used with extension poles.
- High-quality pneumatic pruning shears, including VICTORY, SUPER STAR DOPPIO TAGLIO, and STAR 40, allow for precise cuts on large branches.
- Manual and pneumatic loppers, saws, and hand pruning shears complete the range, along with essential power systems and accessories.
Equip yourself with Campagnola pruning solutions to ensure the professional performance and results you expect—season after season!
For more information, contact us or find your nearest dealer in the Sales Network section. Our trained and knowledgeable partners are always up to date on Campagnola technology and can offer expert pre- and post-sales advice.Inizio moduloFine modulo