How Much Water Do Almond Trees Need?

Almond trees require up to 4 inches (10 cm) of water every 2 weeks. These nuts are one of the most water-intensive crops to grow. It takes approximately 1900 gallons of water to grow a single pound of almonds. These high water requirements make almonds difficult to grow during water shortages. Even a slight dip in the water supply can kill off almond farms quickly. Almond growers should avoid growing these trees anywhere that is prone to water crisis or drought conditions.

How Much Water Do Almond Trees Need Per Day?

During peak season, almond trees need 3-4 inches (8–10 cm) of water every 2 weeks. Almond trees require 2 inches (5 cm) of water every 2 weeks in the off-season. This is a pretty high rate of water consumption and it is very necessary. Almond trees die easily if they are not thoroughly watered as much as they need.

• Almonds need 2 inches (5 cm) of water every 2 weeks in the off-season. 
• 3-4 inches (8–10 cm) of water every 2 weeks is ideal in the peak growing season.
• You can reduce watering to 1 inch (3 cm) of water every 2 weeks during winter.

In an environment with plenty of summer rain, you won’t have to do much watering. If you don’t have frequent summer rain, you will need to use a soaker hose to water. Use this soaker hose to provide your almond tree with plenty of water.

How Do You Water Almond Trees?

The best way to water an almond tree is to soak the soil using a soaker hose. While some almond growers use micro-irrigation systems, a soaker hose is more efficient. Simply turn the soaker hose on a low setting and water the soil within 12 inches (30 cm) of the tree. These trees need 4 inches of water at peak season. However, you can visually tell when you’ve watered enough once the soil is very wet but not waterlogged. 

• Use a soaker hose or micro-irrigation to water your almonds.
• Water for 1 hour with the soaker hose, or until the soil is wet but not flooded.
• Let the ground dry out completely before watering again (this should take about 2 weeks).

After watering, wait 10–14 days before watering again. You can tell your almond tree is ready for more water once the soil is dry and looks like it may begin cracking soon.

Do Almond Trees Like Wet or Dry Soil?

Almonds hate overly wet soil. Overly wet soil leads to health issues like root rot and fungal disease that can harm your plant. What they love is infrequent soakings and then allowing the soil to thoroughly dry out before the next watering. 

• Almond plants may develop disease if they are grown in consistently wet soil.
• Your almond tree will thrive if the ground is soaked, then allowed to dry for 10–14 days.
• Water your soil slowly but thoroughly so that you can control how wet the soil gets.

If you water to the point that your soil begins to look swampy then you are verging into overwatering territory. Almond growers recommend watering slowly but thoroughly so you can control how wet the soil becomes.

Can You Overwater an Almond Tree?

Almonds require such high amounts of water that it’s hard to overwater them. The first warning sign of overwatering is if the soil around your tree is constantly wet or swampy. Long periods of waterlogged soil will begin to negatively affect the health of your almond tree.

• Your almond tree is overwatered if the soil is constantly wet and swampy.
• Light-colored or yellowing leaves are a sign of an overwatered almond tree.
• If leaves and stems easily break off, your almond tree is overwatered.

If your almond tree is overwatered, the foliage will be lighter in color or even begin to turn yellow prematurely. The foliage will also be fragile and easy to break off if it is overwatered. Keeping a close eye on the soil at the base of the tree and the leaves of your almond helps you avoid overwatering.

How Do You Know If an Almond Tree Needs Water?

You’ll know that your almond tree is ready to be watered once the soil is dry and verging on cracking. If you’ve waited too long, the soil may be actively cracking and the plant may begin wilting or browning. These are the common signs of underwatering. 

• Dry, cracked soil at the base of your almond tree signifies it’s time to water.
• If your almond tree shows signs of underwatering (browning leaves, wilting) water at once.
• Almonds can die from underwatering very quickly and easily.

You’ll want to do everything in your power to avoid underwatering your almond tree as it is extremely dangerous to almond crops. Even a relatively short period of underwatering can kill your tree outright. Almonds are very unforgiving in this way. If you want to grow this nut, be prepared to monitor the tree closely to keep it healthy.

Do Almond Trees Require Lots of Water?

Almond trees require several inches of water every two weeks. The amount of water needed can be quite intensive and require a dedicated water source. When growing almonds, remember these tips:

• It takes roughly 1900 gallons of water to grow a pound of almonds.
• Almond trees need several inches of water once every 2 weeks.
• Almond watering needs to increase in summer and decrease in winter.
• At each watering, deeply water the soil by using a soaker hose for about 1 hour.
• If the soil is muddy, swampy, or waterlogged, you have provided too much water at once.
• Allow the soil to dry out between waterings—this usually takes 10–14 days.
• It is difficult to overwater an almond tree, so provide more water when in doubt.
• Almond trees can be quickly killed by drought.

Remember that the water consumption of almond trees is extremely high. You shouldn’t grow almonds anywhere with a limited water supply or where there is a danger of extreme drought. However, if there is no danger of drought, then you should absolutely grow this healthy food.