The walnut tree grows into an impressive beauty over the years - it reaches a stately size, both in length and width. In order to be able to grow the enchanting plant on your doorstep, you need a lot of space in the garden. With our extensive information, you will be able to plant a walnut tree that will give you decades of pleasure!

The walnut tree needs a lot of space

What is important when planting a walnut tree

If you want to plant a walnut tree, you need to consider several points:

  • the right time for planting
  • the properties of the soil
  • the required space (including the distances)
  • the direct approach to planting

The right time to plant a walnut tree

In principle, you can plant a walnut tree in spring, summer or autumn - in mild regions even until mid-November or even longer. But: Young walnut trees are sensitive to frost, so we advise you to avoid the last late frosts in spring and the first early frosts in autumn.

Our recommendation: Plant your walnut tree either in mid-April or otherwise in September/October.

It is important that you only plant the walnut tree when the soil is warm enough. This means that it is better to wait a few more days after a cold snap in spring, after all there is no stress. Conversely, you shouldn't take too long in autumn.

Advantage of autumn planting compared to spring planting: The walnut tree is still developing fine roots by the time permafrost sets in. These roots make it easier for him to absorb enough water in the following spring. Good rooting promotes successful growth, especially during heat periods that occur quite early.

Attention: If you live in an area where frosts in September/October are more typical, you should prefer spring planting. Then you have to water the tree sufficiently, especially in the budding phase.

The soil properties required for planting

A walnut tree is durable and undemanding - also in relation to the subsoil. It thrives in a variety of soils and landscapes. Nevertheless, he has specific preferences - and at the same time knows what he doesn't like.

The floor should

  • wet,
  • slightly sandy,
  • profound as well
  • slightly acidic to neutral*

being.

* However, alkaline soils are not a problem for a walnut tree either.

The floor should NOT

  • overly sandy

being.

Furthermore, a walnut tree does not like waterlogging and/or poorly aerated soil. In such conditions, it grows very slowly and hardly bears fruit.

The space required for walnut tree planting

Depending on the nature of the soil and the variety, the space requirements and required planting distances vary.

An ungrafted seedling

  • grows more in width and
  • therefore requires more space.

A space of 15 x 15 meters is ideal, especially in deep soil (rapid growth).

A grafted walnut tree

  • grows taller and
  • therefore takes up less space.

12 x 12 meters of free space is ideal, with poor soil (slow growth) 10 x 10 meters are also sufficient.

In the first 30 years, a walnut tree mainly grows upwards. Then it has mostly reached its final height. The crown is now beginning to grow in width.

Here is an overview of the recommended minimum distances:

  • eight to ten meters to the house and walls
  • six to eight meters to the garage or carport
  • at least ten, better 15 meters to fruit trees
  • eight to ten meters to the next property

If you do not keep these distances, the roots and later the branches can cause serious damage, for example to the masonry.

The direct approach to planting

  1. Prepare a planting hole that is 80 to 100 centimeters wide and at least 50 centimeters deep. Loosen the soil even deeper if it is a very firm subsoil - otherwise the important taproot can only spread slowly.
  2. Enrich the planting hole with fresh compost or a long-term fertilizer - this way you ensure the first supply of nutrients.
  3. As soon as the walnut tree is solid in the planting hole, fill it up with high-quality potting soil. If the excavation contains humus and is mixed with mature compost, you can use it instead of the potting soil.
  4. When planting your walnut tree, be sure to flush the soil thoroughly to ensure it gets into the root spaces.
  5. Tread the earth.
  6. Water the soil again.
  7. Water the growing tree copiously in the first few weeks - especially in warm weather.

Important: The young walnut tree grows quickly. A stabilizing stake is essential to ensure that it can withstand the rapid growth. Place the stake at the edge of the planting hole (preferably in front of the walnut tree). A support pole about 1.5 meters long is ideal. The stake must be buried by at least 60 centimeters - only then will it stand securely and be able to hold the tree. Choose good quality wood from the start to avoid having to replace the post over the years. Good woods are oak and robinia.

tips

By painting it white in the first few years, you can reliably protect your walnut tree from frost damage.

Category:

Vegetable garden