How to prune california nutmeg

Late winter to early spring. Cut out dead or diseased wood cleanly back to healthy tissue using sterilized tools. On young trees, select a single strong leader and remove competing stems. Heavy pruning of established trees is not recommended — foliage does not readily regenerate from old bare wood.

As needed (rarely). California Nutmeg needs very little pruning. Established trees form attractive natural shapes without intervention. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches as they appear, but avoid heavy structural pruning, which disrupts the tree's architecture. Light formative pruning on young plants can help establish a balanced structure early on.

Cut out dead or diseased wood cleanly back to healthy tissue using sterilized tools. On young trees, select a single strong leader and remove competing stems. Heavy pruning of established trees is not recommended — foliage does not readily regenerate from old bare wood.