Prunus Cut Back Timing

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Chumono
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We have nice weather already here in southern ca. Just now March and my prunus (almond) has already pushed 1 foot of growth at three places. The growth is still green wood. Before cutting it back, do I need to let the new wood lignify?
The tree is about 2 years old. I hear almonds are not good for bonsai, playing with the species none the less. A4B9A2E0-EAF3-446C-98E3-C35829D49262.jpeg69428681-5A79-4416-A50F-7EE410883B10.jpeg
 

Shibui

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You can cut shoots at any time. New buds will emerge from the base of the leaves after the tip is removed.
I've noticed that I get more new shoots when shoots are older. Really young shoots may only give 1 or 2 new shoots.
Need to balance that with growth. Allowing shoots top grow longer will also thicken the branches and trunk below so trim early if you don't want the branch to thicken much.
 

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Chumono
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Do you know the results if I let the wood completely harden/lignify before pruning?
 

Shibui

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Usually you'll get more shoots if you wait for the stems to harden then prune but there's never a single hard outcome in all cases. If the tree declines in health while you wait for lignification you'll probably get less new shoots. If you neglect fertilization while it grows it will become weaker and you'll get less response.
It also seems that the older the wood the more horizontal the new shoots will grow. Shoots grown from younger stems tend to shoot straight up almost in line with the previous stem but prune to older wood and the new shoots tend to grow outward at a greater angle before heading vertical.

Almonds will happily bud from bare wood so no problem cutting back to stems that have lost leaves - allowing for other factors as above and below.
Almonds are prone to a number of different diseases, some of which get started when they trees are pruned during cool, wet weather so the usual recommendation is to do most pruning whole the tree is still growing.
 

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As hoped for after cut back, it is popping everywhere. Lignified hard wood and green wood…. Very healthy.
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