How to Grow Black Walnut Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Black walnut tree is a plant that is found in the eastern part of North America. The tree is mostly found in the wild, but it can also be cultivated. The black walnut tree grows to a height of about 40 to 60 feet and has a trunk diameter of about 2 to 3 feet. The tree has a dark brown to black bark and the leaves are dark green and have a glossy texture. The tree produces a small, round, green fruit that turns black when it matures. The black walnut tree is used for a variety of purposes, including furniture, cabinets, floors, and musical instruments.

How to Grow Black Walnut Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • American walnut
  • Black walnut
  • Eastern black walnut
  • Canadian black walnut
  • Water walnut

Basic info

  • Black walnut trees are deciduous trees that can grow up to 100 feet tall and 50 feet wide.
  • The bark of a black walnut tree is dark brown to black in color and is deeply furrowed.
  • The leaves of a black walnut tree are alternately arranged and are dark green in color with a glossy surface. Each leaf is 10-18 inches long and is made up of 20-30 oval-shaped leaflets.
  • The flowers of a black walnut tree are small, greenish-yellow, and borne in clusters. Male and female flowers are found on separate trees.
  • The fruit of a black walnut tree is a round, green drupe that turns black at maturity. Each drupe is about 1-5 inches in diameter and contains a large, hard, black seed.
  • Black walnut trees are native to the eastern United States and Canada.
  • Black walnut trees prefer deep, well-drained soils and full sun.
  • Black walnut trees are valuable for their wood, which is strong and durable. The wood is used for furniture, flooring, veneer, and other wood products.
  • Black walnut trees are also valued for their nuts, which are used in baking and cooking.
  • Black walnut trees produce a substance called juglone, which can be toxic to other plants.

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Planting Process

  1. For black walnut tree, first step is to choose a suitable site. Black walnut tree prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
  2. Prepare the planting hole. The planting hole should be twice as wide and deep as the tree’s root ball.
  3. Gently remove the tree from its container and loosen any tightly bound roots.
  4. Place the tree in the planting hole so that the soil level of the root ball is even with the surrounding soil.
  5. Backfill the planting hole with the excavated soil, tamping it gently as you go.
  6. Water the tree deeply immediately after planting.
  7. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the tree, keeping it several inches away from the tree trunk.
  8. Water the tree deeply once a week during the first growing season.
  9. Fertilize the tree once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  10. Prune the tree as needed to maintain its desired shape.

Related plant:
Black Locust Tree

Considering the Soil

About soil , black walnut trees prefer deep, well-drained soils, but they are tolerant of a range of soil types and conditions. They are not particularly tolerant of wet soils, however. Soils should be high in organic matter and loamy in texture for optimal growth.

Light requirement

Similar to other trees, black walnut trees need sun to grow. They typically need at least six hours of sunlight each day, but they can also tolerate partial shade. In fact, black walnut trees are often found in wooded areas where they receive dappled sunlight. While they do need sun to grow, too much sun can be harmful to black walnut trees. If they receive too much direct sunlight, the leaves can scorch and the tree can become stressed.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for black walnut trees is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree grows best in climates that have cool winters and warm summers. Black walnut trees can tolerate some cold, but they will not thrive in temperatures that are consistently below freezing.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. Black walnut trees cannot tolerate prolonged periods of dryness and they may even stop producing fruit if the humidity conditions are not ideal.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, this plant does best with compost or manure added to the soil in early spring. Black walnut trees also benefit from deep watering during prolonged dry periods. The root system is deep, so be sure to water slowly and deeply to encourage deep rooting.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your black walnut tree healthy and strong. By pruning off dead or diseased branches, you allow the tree to direct its energy to the healthy parts of the tree. This helps the tree to stay strong and avoid being weakened by pests or diseases.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of black walnut trees is best accomplished by rooting stem cuttings taken from the desired tree. Cuttings should be taken from young, vigorously growing branches that are about the thickness of a pencil. The cuttings should be cut just below a node, or leaf junction, and be placed in moistened potting soil. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into the desired location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 1 and 2 feet annually. However, they may grow more slowly in their first few years after planting. They have a deep taproot system and prefer deep, well-drained soils. Black walnut trees are not drought tolerant and need consistent moisture, especially when they are young.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are walnut caterpillars, leaf miner, scale insects, and black walnut anthracnose. To prevent these problems, you should regularly check your tree for any signs of damage and infestation. If you see any caterpillars, scale insects, or leaf miners, you should remove them from the tree and destroy them. If you see any signs of black walnut anthracnose, you should contact a professional for treatment options.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water regularly.
  • Fertilize every few weeks with a high-quality fertilizer.
  • Prune annually to encourage new growth.
  • Apply mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.
  • Check for pests and diseases regularly and treat accordingly.
  • Make sure the tree receives plenty of sunlight.
  • Plant in a well-draining location.
  • Stake the tree if necessary.
  • Protect the tree from harsh weather conditions.
  • Harvest the nuts when they are ripe.

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Source:
Black Walnut | Washington University Trees | Washington …
ID That Tree: Black Walnut - Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources
Black Walnut | Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental …

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