How to Grow Black Walnut Trees

Overview

The black walnut tree (Juglans nigra) is native to North America and one of the most valued trees, providing shade, nutritious nuts and lumber with a variable grain that takes on a glowing sheen when sanded and polished. Given proper care and space, the black walnut can grow to be 75 feet tall and equally as wide.

Step 1

Plant your black walnut trees out in the open, where they'll get plenty of sunlight and have room to grow.

Step 2

To encourage your trees to produce nuts, plant at least two black walnuts, so they can pollinate one another.

Step 3

Plant the trees in soil that drains well, if you can. If that's not possible, choose the spot with the best soil available for them. Black walnuts grow best in light, loamy soil, but they can grow in just about anything, from loam to sand to clay.

Step 4

For each tree, dig a hole that's about a foot wider and deeper than the tree's root ball. Put the tree gently into the hole, so as not to damage the roots, and push soil in around the roots until you've filled the hole. Add enough dirt around the tree to cover the roots up by at least 6 inches.

Step 5

Water your trees well and regularly for the first year or two.