How to prune almond 'fritz'

Late winter, just before buds swell (late February–early March in most US/UK climates). Train to an open-centre (vase) form in early years by selecting 3–4 scaffold branches and removing the central leader. On established trees, remove dead, diseased, and crossing wood each year; thin the canopy to allow light penetration. Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar.

Annually. Almond 'Fritz' needs annual pruning to maintain an open vase shape, improve air circulation, and maximise nut yield. Remove crossing, dead, and inward-growing branches. Prune after harvest but before dormancy ends to limit exposure to fungal diseases, especially shot-hole, which thrives on fresh wounds in wet conditions.

Train to an open-centre (vase) form in early years by selecting 3–4 scaffold branches and removing the central leader. On established trees, remove dead, diseased, and crossing wood each year; thin the canopy to allow light penetration. Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar.