Can You Plant Arborvitaes Near Black Walnut Trees?

Arborvitaes are a popular evergreen tree that can provide privacy and shade to your yard. However, planting them near black walnut trees can be a challenge. Black walnut trees produce a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to many plants, including arborvitaes. In this article, we will explore whether it is possible to plant arborvitaes near black walnut trees and what you need to know before doing so.

Understanding Juglone

Juglone is a chemical compound found in many parts of the black walnut tree, including the leaves, bark, and roots. It is toxic to many plants and can even inhibit the growth of nearby trees. The toxic effects of juglone can last for several years after the tree is removed. This means that planting anything near a black walnut tree requires careful consideration.

What Are Arborvitaes?

Arborvitaes are evergreen trees that belong to the cypress family. They are popular for their dense foliage and ability to grow in a variety of soil conditions. Arborvitaes come in many different varieties, including Emerald Green, Green Giant, and Techny. They are often used as a privacy fence or windbreak.

The Risks of Planting Arborvitaes Near Black Walnut Trees

As mentioned earlier, juglone is toxic to many plants, including arborvitaes. This means that planting arborvitaes near black walnut trees can be risky. The toxic effects of juglone can cause the arborvitaes to turn yellow, wilt, and eventually die. Even if the arborvitaes survive the toxic effects of juglone, they may not grow as well as they would in other parts of your yard.

How to Minimize the Risks

If you still want to plant arborvitaes near black walnut trees, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risks:

Choose a variety of arborvitae that is known to be more tolerant of juglone. For example, the Thuja Green Giant is more tolerant of juglone than other varieties.

Plant the arborvitaes at least 50 feet away from the black walnut tree.

Plant the arborvitaes in raised beds or mounds to help prevent juglone from seeping into the soil.

Alternatives to Arborvitaes

If you decide that planting arborvitaes near black walnut trees is too risky, there are several alternatives that you can consider:

Plant evergreen trees that are not affected by juglone, such as pines or spruces.

Plant deciduous trees or shrubs that are more tolerant of juglone, such as dogwoods, red maples, or redbuds.

Consider using non-plant materials to create a privacy fence, such as a wooden or vinyl fence.

Conclusion

While arborvitaes are a popular choice for privacy fences and windbreaks, they may not be the best option if you have a black walnut tree in your yard. The toxic effects of juglone can make it difficult for arborvitaes to survive and thrive. However, if you choose a more tolerant variety of arborvitae and plant it far enough away from the black walnut tree, you may be able to successfully grow arborvitaes in your yard. Ultimately, the decision to plant arborvitaes near black walnut trees should be made after careful consideration and research.