California Orchard Services

Almonds are harvested mechanically from August through October by shaking, drying, and sweeping. A shaker clamps each trunk and shakes the nuts onto the orchard floor, where they dry in the sun for about 7 to 10 days. A sweeper then gathers them into windrows, and a pickup machine collects them for hulling. Most California growers begin shaking between late July and early August.

Most orchard trees are pruned during winter dormancy to shape the tree, remove dead or diseased wood, and improve light and airflow, though some summer pruning is also done. Many almond growers hand-prune in alternate years, while walnut growers often hedge mechanically once every few years plus a light annual hand pruning. Timing and frequency depend on the crop, tree age, and training system. Proper pruning supports yield, fruit quality, and equipment access.

Orchard pruning cost depends on the crop, tree size, spacing, and whether it is hand or mechanical work, so most providers quote per acre or per tree after seeing the block. Mechanical hedging covers ground quickly and is often done on a multi-year cycle, while hand pruning is more labor-intensive and timed to the crop. Because pruning is frequently done every other year or every few years, growers can spread the cost across seasons. A custom orchard crew can give a firm quote based on tree count and acreage.

Orchard service providers handle the full tree-crop cycle, from planting and training young trees to pruning, hedging, brush shredding, and mechanical harvest. Many also offer skilled labor crews, mowing, and orchard floor management between the rows. Crews bring the specialized equipment, such as shakers and sweepers, that individual growers may not own. Agnomy connects growers with vetted orchard crews for pruning, harvest, and ongoing tree care.