Choosing and Planting Walnut Trees
Walnut trees, particularly English or Persian walnuts, are excellent for both shade and fruit. California black walnut trees are commonly used as rootstock for many walnut varieties.
Follow these steps to plant your walnut tree:
- Plant in full sun with well-drained soil at least 5 feet deep.
- Space trees about 30 feet apart to allow for growth.
- To ensure proper cross-pollination and fruit set, plant at least two different varieties.
Soil, Watering, and Placement Tips
Walnuts thrive in soil with good drainage and require ample, infrequent watering. Use mini sprinklers to provide about 3 inches of water every 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid watering the trunk to prevent diseases.
Be cautious about planting near vegetable gardens. Walnut roots release toxins that may harm certain plants.
Harvesting and Drying Walnuts
Harvest walnuts when the hulls crack. Dry them in onion sacks or on trays in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
Pruning Walnut Trees
Prune walnut trees in late fall or early winter to prevent excessive sap bleeding. Train your trees using a central leader or modified central leader system.
Here are a few pruning tips:
- Use thinning cuts to remove branches at the collar without damaging it.
- Avoid heading cuts, which can cause the tree to become misshapen.
- Remove upright water sprouts and dead or damaged branches.
- For larger branches (up to 4 inches in diameter), use the three-cut method to avoid damaging the branch collar.
Check out our video on how to prune apple trees for a step-by-step guide. For ornamental pruning tips, see our article on pruning flowering cherry trees.
Grow Your Own Walnut Tree
Plant a walnut tree today and enjoy the benefits of homegrown, protein-packed nuts. Grow organic for life!
