Location, planting instructions and more

What to look for when planting a walnut tree

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

• the right time to plant
• 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 frostThat is why 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 has a certain amount of warmth. This means that it is better to wait a few more days in the spring after a cold snap, after all there is no stress whatsoever. Conversely, you shouldn't take too long in autumn.

The advantage of planting in autumn over spring: the walnut tree will still develop fine roots until the time when permafrost sets in. These roots make it easier for him to take in enough water in the next spring. Good rooting promotes growth success, especially when the heat waves come early.

Attention: If you live in an area where frosts are more typical in September / October, you should give preference to spring planting. Then you need the tree but especially in the Budding phase water sufficiently.

The soil properties required for planting

A walnut tree is durable and undemanding - also in terms of the subsurface. It thrives in various soils and landscapes. Nevertheless, he has specific preferences - and at the same time knows what he does not like.

The floor should

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

be.

* Alkaline soils are not a problem for a walnut tree either.

The floor should NOT

• excessively sandy

be.

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

The space required for planting walnut trees

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

An unrefined seedling

• grows more in width and
• therefore has a higher space requirement.

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

A refined walnut tree

• rather grows in height and
• therefore takes up less space.

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

For the first 30 years, a walnut tree mainly grows in height. Then it has mostly reached its final height. The crown now begins 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 from 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 with a width of 80 to 100 centimeters and a depth of at least 50 centimeters. Loosen the soil even deeper if the subsoil is very firm - otherwise the important taproot can only spread slowly.
2. Enrich the planting hole with fresh Compost soil or one Slow release fertilizer on - in this way you ensure the first supply of nutrients.
3. As soon as the walnut tree is solidly in the planting hole, fill it up with high-quality potting soil. If the excavated material contains humus and is mixed with ripe compost, you can use it instead of the potting soil.
4. When planting your walnut tree, be sure to thoroughly wash the soil in to ensure that it gets into the spaces between the roots.
5. Kick the earth firmly.
6. Water the earth again.
7. Water the growing tree abundantly in the first few weeks - especially in warm weather.

Important: The young walnut tree grows quickly. In order for it to withstand the rapid growth, a stabilizing pile is essential. Place the stake on the edge of the planting hole (preferably in front of the walnut tree). An approximately 1.5 meter long support post is ideal. The post must be buried by at least 60 centimeters - only then is it secure and can hold the tree. Choose high-quality wood right from the start so you don't have to replace the stake over the years. Good woods are oak and robinia.