The walnut tree is a frost-sensitive plant that is at high risk of damage, especially during late frosts. In this guide you will learn everything you need to know about frost damage to walnuts.

Frost damage is caused by late frosts

Late frosts damage the walnut tree

The walnut tree originally developed in warm climates. That is why the plant is so sensitive to frost. Late frosts are the main problem.

Walnut trees produce leaves and blossoms in April, May and June. If frost occurs at this time of all times, frost damage will result.

Note: Temperatures just below freezing point are sufficient in this case.

"Late frosts" after the early onset of spring

In addition to the classic late frosts, there is another critical scenario that relates to the first appearance of spring: If it sets in prematurely and thus causes warm temperatures early, this encourages the walnut to sprout earlier.

That in itself would not be a drama, on the contrary. But: If another prolonged cold spell suddenly follows, the fresh shoots of the tree hardly stand a chance.

How to recognize frost damage on the walnut

A frost-damaged walnut tree shows black leaves and brownish to black flowers overnight.

How to rescue a frost damaged walnut tree

You have to rely as much as possible on the self-healing powers of your walnut tree, which undoubtedly exist, and have only a few options for actively helping it.

What to do with damaged leaves

  1. Watch your walnut. After a few weeks it should start to sprout again.
  2. Do NOT cut off the frozen leaves, otherwise the tree will also have to heal open wounds (unnecessary loss of strength). The wind will carry the leaves away.
  3. Provide the tree with suitable fertilizer to give it extra strength.
  4. Also, give the walnut enough liquid.

Caution: New growth is extremely important. Without leaves, the tree dies.

Note on grafted walnut trees: They are an exception when it comes to cutting off the leaves:

  1. Immediately after the frosty night, cut off all frozen leaves.
  2. Leave the petioles.
  3. A few days later, new shoots will sprout from the Beiaugen.
  4. Then connect the lead drive.
  5. After a few weeks, cut off the frost-damaged shoot.

What to do with damaged flowers

If the blossoms freeze, you are powerless and have to reckon with a complete loss of harvest - unless there is another (healthy) walnut tree nearby.

Category:

Vegetable garden