How to Plant a Walnut Tree

Walnut trees are beautiful, long-lived plants that can provide plenty of delicious food, shade, and ornamental value to your property. If you're thinking about planting a walnut tree, here's what you need to know.

Choosing the Right Variety

Walnut trees come in many different varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular choices include:

Black walnut: A native North American species with dark, flavorful nuts

English walnut: A popular choice for commercial nut production with a milder flavor

Heartnut: A Japanese species with heart-shaped nuts that are easy to crack

Consider your climate, soil type, and personal preferences when selecting a variety.

Preparing the Planting Site

Walnut trees prefer well-drained soils with good fertility and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Ideally, the site should get full sun for at least 6 hours per day.

Before planting, prepare the site by removing any weeds or grass and loosening the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. Consider adding amendments such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil quality.

Planting the Tree

When you're ready to plant your walnut tree, follow these steps:

Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the tree's root ball.

Place the tree in the hole, making sure that the crown (where the roots meet the trunk) is level with the surrounding soil.

Backfill the hole with soil, pressing firmly around the roots to eliminate air pockets.

Water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil.

Finally, add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid piling the mulch up against the trunk, as this can promote rot.

Caring for Your Walnut Tree

Once your walnut tree is established, it will need regular care to thrive. Here are some tips:

Water the tree deeply during dry periods, especially in the first year after planting.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) according to package instructions.

Prune annually in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and shape the tree.

Watch for pests and diseases, such as walnut blight or walnut husk fly, and treat as necessary.

With proper care, your walnut tree can give you decades of enjoyment and delicious nuts.