Almond trees are deciduous trees, that shed their leaves seasonally. They also blossom beautifully after the summer. Asides from being a beautiful deciduous tree, it also serves as a snack to humans.
This lead to the arising of questions like should you feed your dogs Almonds? Many people also wonder where this beautiful plant is grown? If you have these questions this article will put your mind at ease.
Do Almond Trees Have Flowers?
Yes, Almond trees have flowers which is why sometimes they are used as a flowering plant. The flower buds start to develop during the previous summer, and by late February and early March beautiful flowers bloom on the almond tree.
Are Almond Trees Water Intensive?
Yes, Almond trees are water intensive. This is because Almonds are nuts and all nuts are water intensive. Other water intensive nuts include pistachio, walnut(black and white) and cashews.
Are Almond Trees Native To California?
Almond trees are native to North Africa, West Asia and the Mediterranean, though most almonds today are grown in the United States, Spain and Italy with California producing about 80% of the worlds almonds and 100% of the United States commercial supply. The vast majority of the worlds almonds are grown and harvested in the United States.
For the past two years the United States has produced over 1.4 million metric tons of almond nuts. Although California produces a jaw dropping 100% of the commercial supply of almonds in the United States because of the perfect climate for growing almond trees.
While almonds are grown in 7 other countries, such as Spain, Italy, and Australia, about 80% of the world’s supply comes from California. This makes the almond California’s second largest crop. It also makes it their number one agricultural export.
There are also other suitable areas such as some parts of North Carolina, Arizona, Texas and Georgia. North Carolinas costal area are warm enough to grow almonds, but while these areas have sandy soil the species prefer, they can be too humid for optimal tree health and fruit production.
In Southeast Arizona , the recommend variety of almonds is the ‘semi-dwarf’ ‘All in one’ which self pollinates and grows best in reasonably fast draining soil. With the United States leading the way in almond production, it is closely followed by the European Union and then China.
Are Almond Trees Self Pollinating?
Yes, almond trees are self pollinating but there are rules to be followed. One variety of Almond trees have to be planted together so they pollinate each other through wind pollination. Examples of self pollinating almonds are Tuono, Independence, and All-in-one.
If you have two or more varieties on your farm, you have to ensure that they are compatible and have a corresponding bloom time else there shall be no pollination. Varieties like Non-pareil and Price are two compatible varieties of almonds.
To ensure pollination between compatible varieties plant the trees 15 to 25 feet apart. This increases the chances of the bees visiting both tree’s flowers.
It is essential to note that more almonds are produced when the trees are pollinated with bees. This is why most almond farmers pollinate 100% of their almonds with bees, if enough bees are available.
Apart from honey bees farmers also use blue orchard bees, bumblebees and other wild bees to pollinate almonds.
Are Almond Trees Deciduous?
Yes, almond trees are deciduous. They lose their leaves in December and remain dormant for the incoming cold months. Almond trees lose their leaves seasonally. Almond trees are big flowering trees that can grow 10-15 feet tall, with five petaled flowers that are white or pale pink.
Other deciduous trees are maple, oaks and beeches.
Are Almond Trees Poisonous To Dogs?
The Almond nut isn’t totally dangerous to humans but it is to dogs. Nuts can put your dog at the risk of severe gastrointestinal distress, aflatoxin poisoning, and bladder/kidney stones.
Unprocessed bitter almonds, and seasoned almonds can be quite detrimental to the dogs health. They can lead to salt toxicity, water retention and can also be a choking hazard.
In order to keep your dog’s safe from almond poisoning, you have to keep a close eye on them. Keep almonds as far out of there reach as possible. If you suspect your dog has eaten any almond, look out for these signs :
- Jaundice
- Gas
- Lethargy
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Discomfort
The moment you notice any of these signs take them to the veterinarian or contact pet poison control. 1
Are Almond Trees Bad For Bees?
By themselves, almond trees pose no threat or harm to bees. But some almond tree farms are filled with pesticides and herbicides which are deadly to bees. Many reports have shown how thousands of bees are released into the farm to pollinate the trees and many do not make it out alive.
An example of a pesticides is Roundup, a staple of large-scale almond growers. It’s major ingredient is the herbicide glyphosate, which is deadly to bees.
One of the major classes of pesticides are a group of insecticides called neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids are very deadly to bees and are banned in Europe but not in the U.S.
Sulfoxaflor is also another insecticide used in the U.S that is lethal to bees.
There is also an ever on-the-rise need for the bees for pollination. This puts a massive strain on the bee-keeping industry and the bees themselves. A majority of the bee keepers revenue stems from pollinating almond trees – 70% of bee colonies are used to pollinate almond orchards.
Research has shown that the number that die per year is more than other animals slaughtered in the U.S altogether. THis causes beekeepers to lose roughly 30% of their bees each year.
Using bees for pollination is calculated to have killed about 50 billion bees over the 2018 to 2019 winter period. 4 out of 10 honeybee colonies were during the winter.
Increase in almond production has not been matched with an increase in bee colonies since the beginning of the 20th century. This stagnant situation in the bee-keeping business is due to factors like:
- Exposure to harmful parasites
- Decreasing crop diversity
- Loss of habitat
- Overindulgence in pesticide usage
- Poor beekeeping practices.
These above reasons are the major cause of the bees ever increasing death toll and can be traced to the almond producing industry.
Do Almond Trees Grow In NC?
Yes, backyard gardeners grow Almonds in NC. Although, the climate might not be perfect some varieties of almonds still grow and produce fruit in NC.
Almonds are native to North Africa, West Asia and the Mediterranean.
Do Almond Trees Grow In Alabama?
Based on research there’s only 1 almond tree farm in Alabama. The best climate for growing Almonds in the U.S is central California, which is why they are the number 1 producers of Almonds. Alabama doesn’t have the climate that is require to grow Almonds.
The black walnut is a nut that blossoms in Alabama.
Do Almond Trees Grow In Arizona?
Due to the climate and soil in Arizona, the best variety of Almond to grow semi dwarf All-in-one. Some people grow Almonds in Arizona as a flowering plant since the climate won’t let it bear fruits. Pecans and pistachios are the major three nuts that thrive in Arizona and generate massive income for the economy.
Other fruits or plants that thrive in Arizona, are potatoes, hay, corn, olives , cotton, citrus, wheat, and alfalfa.
Citations Used In This Article
- Can Dogs Eat Almonds? (petco).
