- 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.
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