How to Plant Black Walnut Trees

Black walnut trees are prized for their beautiful wood and delicious nuts. If you're interested in planting a black walnut tree, there are a few things you should know before you get started. Here's everything you need to know about planting black walnut trees.

Choose the Right Location

Before you plant a black walnut tree, you need to choose the right location. Black walnut trees require full sun, so make sure you choose a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. They also need well-drained soil, so avoid planting them in areas with heavy clay soil or standing water.

Black walnut trees can grow up to 100 feet tall, so make sure you choose a spot with plenty of space for the tree to mature. You should also avoid planting black walnut trees near other trees or plants, as the walnut trees produce a chemical called juglone that can be toxic to some nearby plants.

Prepare the Soil

Once you've chosen the right location, it's time to prepare the soil. Start by digging a hole that's two to three times wider than the root ball of your black walnut tree. Remove any rocks or debris from the soil, and mix in some aged compost or other organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage.

Before you plant your black walnut tree, test the soil pH to make sure it's between 6 and 7. If the pH is too high or too low, you may need to adjust it accordingly. Black walnut trees prefer a slightly acidic soil pH, so you may need to add sulfur to lower the pH or lime to raise it.

Plant the Tree

Once the soil is prepared, it's time to plant your black walnut tree. Gently remove the tree from its container and carefully loosen any tangled or circling roots. Place the tree in the planting hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.

Fill the hole with soil, breaking up any clumps as you go. Make sure the soil is firm, but not compacted, around the roots. Water the tree well to settle the soil, and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Care for Your Black Walnut Tree

Once your black walnut tree is planted, it's time to take care of it. Water the tree regularly, especially during the first few years while it's getting established. Fertilize the tree once a year with a balanced fertilizer or aged manure to provide essential nutrients.

Prune your black walnut tree regularly to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help the tree grow strong and healthy, and will also improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Finally, be patient. Black walnut trees can take several years to start producing nuts, and it may be a decade or more before your tree reaches its full height and maturity. But with proper care and attention, your black walnut tree will be a beautiful and rewarding addition to your landscape.

The Bottom Line

Planting a black walnut tree requires some planning and preparation, but it's well worth the effort. By choosing the right location, preparing the soil, planting the tree correctly, and taking care of it properly, you can enjoy the beauty and bounty of a black walnut tree for many years to come.