Choosing Your Site & Variety
Almond trees require well-drained sandy loam or loam soils and at least 250 to 500 chill hours (below 45°F) during dormancy. The San Joaquin Valley provides ideal conditions. Popular commercial varieties include Nonpareil (the industry standard), Monterey, Butte, and Independence (self-pollinating). Plan for cross-pollination by planting at least two compatible varieties in alternating rows.
Spacing & Layout
Modern high-density almond orchards use 18 to 22-foot row spacing with 14 to 18-foot tree spacing within rows, yielding approximately 100 to 140 trees per acre. Standard density plantings use 22 to 24-foot rows with 18 to 22-foot tree spacing. Proper row orientation (typically north-south) and precise layout are essential for equipment access, light penetration, and efficient irrigation coverage.
Supplies for a New Almond Orchard
- Tree sleeves or guards — protect young trunks from sunburn, rodents, and herbicide contact. One per tree for the first 2 to 3 years.
- T-posts or support stakes — one per tree to prevent wind damage during establishment. Young almond trees are vulnerable to breakage at the graft union.
- Drip irrigation system — micro-sprinklers or drip emitters, mainline and sub-main tubing, filters, and pressure regulators. Mature almonds need 40 to 50 inches of water per year.
- Tree ties — to secure young trees to stakes without girdling the trunk.
Planting & Establishment
Almond trees are planted as bare-root nursery stock between December and February while fully dormant. Planting holes should be deep enough to set the graft union 2 to 4 inches above the soil line. Professional crews using GPS-guided planting equipment can establish 1,000 to 2,500 trees per day. Post-planting care includes immediate irrigation, weed control around the tree base, and trunk protection installation.
A newly planted almond orchard typically produces its first commercial crop in year 3, reaching full production by year 5 to 6, with an expected productive life of 20 to 25 years.
Planning a new almond orchard?
J&B provides tree sleeves, T-posts, irrigation supplies, and skilled planting crews throughout California and the West Coast. Request a consultation or call 559-540-8707.