Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Growing Walnut Trees in Massachusetts

...
big and small walnuts on walnut leaves image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com

Walnut trees are grown for their beauty, shade and the delicious nuts they produce. ?The black walnut tree? (?Juglans? ?nigra L.? ?), native to western Massachusetts, can be grown from nuts, although seedlings are more successful. If you are looking for a large tree that lives a long time (up to 200 years, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota), then consider the black walnut tree.

  • Walnut trees are grown for their beauty, shade and the delicious nuts they produce.
  • ?

Grow your walnut tree in a sunny area with deep, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic (pH range of 6.0 to 7.5). If you are unsure of the pH, can test it with a home testing kit or take a sample to your county cooperative extension agent, who can recommend corrective measures.

Water the walnut tree only when the weather is dry. Normal rainfall patterns in Massachusetts should provide sufficient water for the tree. During dry spells such as summer, water the tree deeply. The most efficient way to do this is to use a soaker hose and allow the water to penetrate the soil slowly for at least an hour. Keep an eye on the soil and water again if it dries out.

  • Grow your walnut tree in a sunny area with deep, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic (pH range of 6.0 to 7.5).
  • Water the walnut tree only when the weather is dry.

Remove all weeds within a 3-foot radius of the walnut tree. In Massachusetts these weeds might include bermuda grass, crabgrass, foxtails, curly doc and pigweed. Weeds compete with the tree for nutrients and moisture in the soil.

Fertilize the walnut tree monthly, beginning in late spring, with a 6-24-24 fertilizer at the rate recommended on the package. After three years of age, the tree requires no fertilizer. Always water before applying fertilizer.

Inspect the walnut tree frequently for pests. In Massachusetts walnut trees are attractive to the walnut caterpillar, aphids, walnut shoot moth and the walnut weevil. Insecticides are effective against these pests, and your county cooperative extension agent can both identify the pest and suggest a suitable spray.

  • Remove all weeds within a 3-foot radius of the walnut tree.
  • After three years of age, the tree requires no fertilizer.

Diagnose walnut tree diseases early. The two most common diseases of Massachusetts walnut trees are walnut blight, caused by a bacteria, and walnut leaf blotch, caused by a fungus. Both diseases occur during wet weather, and your extension agent can assist you in finding a cure.

?

  • Diagnose walnut tree diseases early.
  • Remove any dead or crossed branches and prune the interior of the tree to allow more sunlight and air to reach it.
  • ?

Prune the walnut tree during the dormant season. Remove any dead or crossed branches and prune the interior of the tree to allow more sunlight and air to reach it.

?

  • Diagnose walnut tree diseases early.
  • Remove any dead or crossed branches and prune the interior of the tree to allow more sunlight and air to reach it.
  • ?

Warning

Walnut trees secrete a substance that is toxic to some plants, which will not grow in the tree’s understory. Be especially careful when planting tomatoes and apples near walnut trees.

?

?

Related Articles

Black Walnut Insects
Black Walnut Insects
Identifying Walnut Trees
Identifying Walnut Trees
How Fast Do Walnut Trees Grow?
How Fast Do Walnut Trees Grow?
Walnut Trees
Walnut Trees
When Do Pecan Trees Produce Nuts?
When Do Pecan Trees Produce Nuts?
Places in India Where Walnut Trees Grow Well
Places in India Where Walnut Trees Grow Well
Diseases of Walnut Trees
Diseases of Walnut Trees
Are There Any Dwarf Pecan Trees?
Are There Any Dwarf Pecan Trees?
How to Grow Aspen Trees in California
How to Grow Aspen Trees in California
Types of Texas Pecans
Types of Texas Pecans
List of Oak Trees in Kentucky
List of Oak Trees in Kentucky
How to Identify a Persimmon Tree
How to Identify a Persimmon Tree
How Long Does it Take a Pecan Tree to Mature?
How Long Does it Take a Pecan Tree to Mature?
Nut Trees in Zone 9
Nut Trees in Zone 9
How to Care for a Corkscrew Willow Tree
How to Care for a Corkscrew Willow Tree
Garden Guides
×