How to Grow Walnut Tree

Young tree 1-2 feet tall with soft wood and rapidly developing root system

Protect from harsh winds and extreme temperatures. Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Install tree guard to prevent rodent/deer damage. Do not fertilize aggressively as this can cause tender new growth.

Tree grows 2-4 feet annually, developing main trunk and lateral branch structure. Leaves emerge in spring as compound pinnate leaflets.

Prune to establish strong central leader and well-spaced scaffold branches. Remove crossing or diseased branches. Maintain consistent moisture. Begin light fertilization in spring. Keep area clear of grass competition within 3-foot radius.

Male and female flowers appear on same tree (monoecious). Male catkins are pendulous and showy; female flowers are small, greenish clusters at branch tips.

Walnut trees are wind-pollinated; plant two or more trees for better cross-pollination and nut set. Thin excessive flower clusters if needed. Do not prune heavily during flowering.

Green husks develop around walnut fruit throughout summer. Nuts mature inside husks, reaching full size by late summer. Husks begin to split and blacken as nuts ripen.

Do not fertilize heavily with nitrogen, as this delays ripening and promotes vegetative growth over fruit. Maintain even soil moisture during fruit development. Thin excessive nuts if desired for larger individual nuts. Be aware of juglone toxicity affecting nearby plantings.

Husks split open in fall, dropping black nuts. Tree drops leaves and enters winter dormancy. Exposed nuts dry on ground or can be collected.

Harvest nuts once husks completely split. Wear gloves when handling husks (can stain). Remove and compost husks away from susceptible plants. Rake area to prevent rodent harborage. Tree is dormant and requires minimal care.