The real walnut tree bears the botanical name Juglans regia and can grow to an imposing width and size. Fully grown specimens reach sizes between 15 and 25 meters, so that they stand out clearly in the tree population. If the site conditions are optimal, the trees can even grow a few meters higher. However, the growth of the walnut tree can vary as it depends on many criteria.
Age-related factors
How big and how fast the walnut tree grows is determined by various factors. Certain influences promote or slow down the growth of the tree. Above all, this includes the age of the walnut. In addition, uneven growth is to be expected in the first few years of life, both in height and in width. This circumstance is probably due to the tree's own supply and the still small size of the trunk. Once Juglans regia has developed properly, the tree can take care of itself better and grow more evenly. In this way, the required nutrients can also reach greater heights. After
At the beginning of the slow-growing period, growth can even increase by a few meters in the following years.- Grows very irregularly in the first 3 years
- Growth is initially around 5-20 cm per year
- Then the growth increases to 20-45 cm annually
- Sub-grown trees have stronger growth
- Growth is only possible from the 10th Year of life constant
- Is then between 50-100 cm per year
- Achieved with approx. 80 years its maximum possible height
- Depending on the variety, it can reach a total height of 10-25 m
- In exceptional cases, specimens grow 30 m high
- Little increase in height in old age
- Walnut trees can reach an age of up to 160 years
Note: At an advanced age, the walnut neither grows its crown in width nor increases its overall height noticeably. In addition, the yields decrease significantly when harvested.
Site conditions
The growth of the walnut tree is heavily dependent on the quality of the soil and the supply of nutrients. If these conditions are right, the tree will grow much faster. Especially in
In the middle phase of life, nutrient-rich soil strongly favors the development and growth of the walnut. Anyone who buys Juglans regia from specialist retailers must take into account that the young tree will not develop as strongly in the first few years of life. For trees from the trade, the so-called schooling is carried out. In the course of this measure, the young specimens are transplanted and the roots cut back. This is intended to achieve a compact growth in order to make sales easier. These walnut trees then generally need a few more years until they have settled in and develop an average growth in size.- Nutrient-rich loam and clay soils are ideal
- Calcareous soil also promotes growth
- Enrich nutrient-poor soils before planting
- If the growth is weak, add additional fertilizer
- Growing on the spot from the nut is ideal
- Then quickly forms a dense root system
- Avoid relocating to avoid damaging roots
Tip: Depending on the variety, the walnut tree begins between the 4th to 15. Year to develop its delicious fruits.
Trunk circumference
The size of the trunk is an important factor influencing the development of the walnut tree. The so-called vascular bundles, which supply the tree with water and important nutrients, run in the bark down to the last leaf. The more space there is for the vascular bundles in the bark, the better it is supplied. This fact affects and favors growth both in height and in width.
- Large trunk size promotes growth
- The size only increases from the age of three
- Trunk supplies tree through capillary effect
- With higher growth, the force of gravity increases
- Great gravity impairs the capillary effect
- As a result, height growth begins to stagnate
Population density
There are other factors in the walnut tree that can have a strong influence on growth. Above all, this includes the neighbors and the surrounding area. If other trees grow around Juglans regia, this is clearly reflected in the increase in height. In addition, a location with optimal conditions can also be a hindrance to the growth of the walnut tree. In many tree species, pruning can encourage growth, but the walnut does not belong to this group. In this way, Juglans regia has established itself as an extremely easy-care tree. If pruning measures are carried out, then these do not hinder the development of the walnut. The tree then continues to grow just as it did in the previous year.
- When the population is dense, walnut pushes up to the light
- Tries to overtake neighboring trees
- Grows significantly higher in dense stands
- Growth there is much faster in the first few years
- However, this fact is only conducive to height gain
- The trunk is neither thicker nor more productive
- Also, pruning does not encourage growth
- However, it needs topiary if the tree grows sprawling
