The English Walnut tree (Juglans regia 'Carpathian') or “Carpathian walnut” is a fantastic nut producer that brings forth a full flavored, semi-sweet with a hint butterscotch to the taste. This full sun loving, moderately fast growing tree is cold hardy, drought tolerant and shows off a stunning array of color to the fall foliage. Commonly planted in USDA growing zones 5-9 it’s a favorite for cooler states as well as the southern areas for its shade giving properties. Be sure you take into account the tree’s mature height when scouting your planting area as these trees can grow to as tall/wide as 40-60 feet! The English walnut is semi-fertile so walnuts are not guaranteed, it’s best to plant them in pairs to ensure the highest yield.

Seasonal Information: Generally it is best to plant your tree in the early fall, at least six weeks before the first frost in order to give the roots enough time to become established before winter sets in, or in the early spring six weeks after the final frost. However, you can plant your tree at any time of the year as long as your ground isn’t frozen. If you plant during the summer, make sure that your tree(s) get enough water to balance the heat.

Location: When deciding where to plant your walnut trees remember that they will perform best in full sunlight. Although, they can tolerate partial shade as long as they have at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Avoid planting in an area of your yard that’s prone to flooding, or that collects standing water.

Planting directions:
1) Once you have picked the perfect planting location dig a hole that’s just as deep as the root ball on your tree and three times as wide.
2) Take a pitch fork or shovel and scrape it along the sides of the hole to loosen the soil. Check for any debris like rocks, grass, or dirt clumps and remove them from the hole.
3) Next place your tree in the hole and make sure that it’s level with the surrounding ground and standing straight upwards at a 90 degree angle.
4) Slowly back fill the hole and gently tamp the soil down.
5) Once you’ve completed the planting process give your tree a long drink of water and mulch the area to conserve soil moisture.

Watering: We often find that plants are harmed more by over watering than under watering. Keep this in mind when it comes to watering your walnut tree. Allow the soil to dry out two inches below the surface before watering again. Hold a hose next to the base of the trunk and count to 30 order to give them a slow, deep watering.

Fertilization: Give your tree a boost with a well balanced fertilizer like formula 10-10-10 twice a year, once in the early spring and again in the early fall. If your soil is lacking in nutrients you can fertilize up to once a month during the growing season. Wait until your tree has experienced one year of growth before fertilizing.

Weed Control: Prevent weeds from growing under the canopy by spreading 3 to 4 inch thick layer of mulch around the base. The mulch won’t allow weeds to grow, and it will also help your soil retain moisture.

Pruning: Early spring is the best time of year to prune your walnut trees. You’ll want to remove any broken, damaged, or diseased branches. Also, remove any crisscrossing or rubbing branches. Make sure that your tree has sunlight and air flow through the canopy, this will allow the air and sunlight to knock out molds and fungi.

Be sure to look at your tree and plan where to make your cuts. Just like with a haircut, you can always remove more hair later, but if you cut too much it may take a while to grow back. Use a sharp and sterile pair of hand pruners or loppers and make your cuts at 45 degree angles facing upwards in order to promote new growth. You can sterilize your cutting tool(s) with a household rubbing alcohol.