As far as care is concerned, the walnut tree is relatively undemanding. However, there are a few points you should keep in mind to ensure that your tree has everything you need. In this article we give you practical tips!
Young walnut trees need regular watering
Water and fertilize the walnut tree
If the walnut is in the right location, care is limited to a few measures. Regular watering and fertilizing are still necessary, albeit to a manageable extent.
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In the first year, the walnut tree hardly grows in height, but the roots spread out. In order to be able to master this task brilliantly, the tree needs water above all. Make sure the soil never dries out completely. Waterlogging is also not allowed.
In general, you should water your walnut tree more generously in the first two to three years. After this initial period, natural rainfall is usually sufficient. Only in very dry periods you have to water additionally.
Can't or don't want to water your walnut tree all the time? Then try the following tips:
- Apply a thick layer of mulch (made from grass clippings) around the trunk of the tree.
- Spread a mat of straw or coir over the soil (either alone or with the mulch layer).
- Operate with an airtight tree protection disk.
By the way: You can use normal tap water for watering. You should only use collected rainwater if you live in an area with very hard water. Otherwise, the walnut threatens to die despite its lime tolerance.
Fertilize
With a suitable location and substrate, it is sufficient to fertilize the walnut once a year - after the fruit has fallen. Use compost. Cover the substrate extensively with the natural fertilizer. Ultimately, the entire diameter of the tree crown should be reached.
Note: We advise you to work the compost into the soil. This accelerates the absorption of nutrients and thus promotes growth. This method has two other advantages: on the one hand, you loosen the soil and on the other hand, you enable more efficient watering.
Important: If your tree shows signs of deficiency, i.e. it hardly thrives and/or wilts, it makes sense to have the substrate examined so that you can then adjust the fertilization in a targeted manner.
Keep the location of the walnut free
In the first three years you should keep the area around the walnut tree free, because: Young trees are still very sensitive and react sensitively to competition - including weeds.
Options:
- frequent weeding
- install a dense tree guard
Later, the falling leaves of the walnut itself ensure that hardly anything else can thrive underneath it. The leaves contain a lot of tannins.
Note: You should only cut the walnut tree when it is really necessary - and at the right time (late summer)!