Planting And Maintaining A Black Walnut Tree
Posted on: 15 November 2018
Trees add a lot to your home. They provide shade and texture, but they also add color and improve your home's curb appeal. Some trees also produce fruits and nuts that can be enjoyed by you and wildlife. If you are interested in a tree that offers all of these benefits, the walnut tree is the right option for your landscape. With this guide, you will understand how to plant and maintain a walnut tree.
Planting
Location matters when planting a black walnut tree. Choose a location that receives full sun. The surrounding soil is not as importance, since these trees can survive in numerous soil conditions.
Black walnut trees do grow tall and wide, so make sure your tree will not be planted too close to your home's siding, power lines, or other structures. If you are planting a grove of trees, spacing also matters. Black walnut trees can grow out to spreads of 75 feet, so make sure there is plenty of space between each of your trees.
After planting, water your tree and the surrounding area thoroughly. Add mulch around your tree, as well, to help lock in moisture.
Maintaining
Continue watering your walnut tree even once it is established. You do not want to tree or its underlying soil to dry out, but you do not want it to become too wet, either, since excessive moisture can lead to fungal disease.
In the early part of spring, fertilizer your black walnut tree. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer that contains nitrogen, which is essential for the production of walnuts.
Make sure to remove weeds and any grass growing in or near the mulch surrounding your tree. Even this small amount of growth will take nutrients and moisture from the walnut tree's roots/soil, preventing the tree from growing, thriving, and producing a generous supply of nuts.
Towards the end of summer and early part of fall, you should be able to harvest walnuts from your tree. Gently knock the branches of your tree with a pole, allowing the nuts to fall onto the ground.
Once the tree is in its dormant season, which is in the winter, you can begin pruning. Trim off any discolored or broken limbs and branches. Then, clear out the tree's center by pruning crossing limbs. This will improve air flow, which protects the black walnut tree from fungal infections. If you are not experienced in pruning, consider hiring a tree care service like Greatland Tree Service to do it for you.
With proper planting and care, your black walnut tree can be a great investment for your home and family.
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