what trees can you plant near a black walnut tree

Author：James Wang Date：2023-04-23 14:00

Introduction

Black walnut trees are commonly found in many parts of North America, and they are known for their robust growth and healthy fruits. However, these trees also have a reputation for releasing a substance called juglone that can be toxic to other plants. If you have a black walnut tree in your yard, you may wonder what other trees you can plant near it without affecting their growth. In this article, we'll explore what trees are suitable for planting near a black walnut tree.

What is Juglone?

Juglone is a chemical compound that is secreted by the roots and leaves of black walnut trees. This compound is toxic to other plants, and it can reduce the growth and health of neighboring trees, shrubs, and flowers. Juglone can also persist in the soil for several years, which means that other plants may be affected even after a black walnut tree has been removed from the area.

Trees That Can Grow Near Black Walnut

Despite the challenges posed by juglone, there are some tree species that can grow successfully near black walnut trees. These trees have naturally evolved to tolerate juglone, and they can thrive in the presence of this compound. Here are some examples:

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

River Birch (Betula nigra)

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

American Holly (Ilex opaca)

Trees to Avoid Near Black Walnut

While there are some trees that can coexist with black walnut, there are also several species that should be avoided. These trees are highly susceptible to juglone toxicity, and they may struggle to survive or develop health problems if planted near a black walnut tree. Some examples of trees to avoid near black walnut include:

Apple trees (Malus spp.)

Cherry trees (Prunus spp.)

Plum trees (Prunus spp.)

Red maple trees (Acer rubrum)

Silver maple trees (Acer saccharinum)

Sugar maple trees (Acer saccharum)

Tips for Planting Near Black Walnut

If you want to plant trees near a black walnut, there are a few things you can do to minimize the effects of juglone:

Plant trees as far away from the black walnut as possible, ideally at least 50 to 100 feet.

Invest in high-quality, disease-resistant trees that are well-suited to the area's climate and soil conditions.

Consider planting shrubs and groundcovers that are tolerant of juglone, such as ferns, hostas, and wild geraniums.

Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or leaf mold, to improve drainage and increase the soil's ability to break down juglone.

Avoid using chemicals or fertilizers near the black walnut tree, as this can stress the tree and make it more likely to produce juglone.

Conclusion

By understanding the effects of juglone and what trees are compatible with black walnut, you can make informed decisions about planting in your yard. While there are challenges to planting near a black walnut, there are also many opportunities to create a diverse and thriving landscape that enhances the beauty and value of your property.