Can I Plant Maple Trees by Black Walnut Trees?

When planning a landscape or orchard, choosing which trees to grow and where to place them can be an important factor in their success. If you are considering planting maple trees near black walnut trees, you may be wondering if this is a good idea. Here is what you need to know before making a decision.

The Problem with Black Walnut Trees

Black walnut trees have a unique ability to release a chemical called juglone. This chemical can be toxic to nearby plants and other organisms. If you look around the base of a mature black walnut tree, you will often see a circle of bare ground where no other plants are growing. This is because the juglone has effectively killed off any competition.

How Juglone Affects Other Trees

Juglone can be particularly damaging to some trees, including apple, pear, and cherry. Maple trees are generally considered to be somewhat resistant to juglone, but this can vary depending on the species of maple and the concentration of juglone in the soil. In general, it is best to avoid planting any other trees near black walnut trees.

Considerations for Planting Near Black Walnut Trees

If you need to plant trees near black walnut trees, there are a few things to keep in mind to help minimize the effects of juglone:

Choose trees that are resistant to juglone. Some trees that are known to be resistant to juglone include dogwood, hickory, and Japanese maple.

Plant trees on the uphill side of the black walnut tree. Juglone tends to flow downhill, so planting your trees uphill can help to protect them.

Provide plenty of soil, water, and nutrients. Trees that are healthy and well-fed are better able to resist the effects of juglone.

Alternatives to Planting Near Black Walnut Trees

If you are concerned about the effects of juglone on other plants or trees, or if you simply prefer not to take the risk, there are plenty of other options for planting your maple trees. Here are a few ideas:

Plant your maple trees in a different location. Consider planting them in an area that is farther away from any black walnut trees.

Choose a different type of tree. Consider planting a tree that is known to be compatible with black walnut trees, such as black cherry or red oak.

Grow other types of plants. Many plants, such as ferns, hostas, and certain types of grasses, are resistant to juglone and can still thrive near black walnut trees.

Final Thoughts

While it is possible to plant maple trees near black walnut trees, it is generally not recommended. The juglone released by black walnut trees can be harmful to other plants, and can even kill certain types of trees. If you do decide to plant near black walnut trees, be sure to choose tree species that are resistant to juglone, and take steps to protect your trees by planting them uphill and providing plenty of soil, water, and nutrients. Alternatively, consider planting your maple trees in a different location or choosing a different type of tree altogether.