When it comes to care, the walnut tree is relatively undemanding. However, there are a few points you should keep in mind to ensure that your tree doesn't lack anything. In this article we give you practical tips!
How do I properly care for a walnut tree?
Caring for a walnut tree includes regular watering in the first few years of growth, annual fertilization after the fruit has fallen, keeping the site free of unwanted plants and cutting the tree only when necessary in late summer.
Watering and fertilizing the walnut tree
If the walnut is in the right location, care is limited to a few measures. Regular watering and fertilizing are still necessary, albeit within a manageable framework.
Pouring
In the first year of growth, the walnut tree hardly grows in height, but the roots do spread out. In order to master this task brilliantly, the tree primarily needs water. Make sure that the soil never completely dries out. But there should also be no waterlogging.
In general, you should water your walnut tree more generously in the first two to three years. After this initial period, natural rainfall is generally sufficient. You only need to water additionally in very dry periods.
You can't or don't want to water your walnut tree all the time? Then try the following tips:
- Apply a thick layer of mulch (made from grass clippings) around the tree trunk.
- Spread a mat of straw or coconut fiber over the soil (either alone or together with the mulch layer).
- Operate with an airtight tree shield.
By the way: You can use normal tap water for watering. You should only use collected rainwater if you live in an area with very hard water. Otherwise, the walnut threatens to die despite its compatibility with lime.
Fertilize
If the location and substrate are suitable, it is sufficient to fertilize the walnut once a year - after the fruits have fallen. Use compost. Cover the substrate extensively with the natural fertilizer. Ultimately, the entire diameter of the tree crown should be reached.
Note: We advise you to work the compost into the soil. This accelerates nutrient absorption and thus promotes growth. This method has two further advantages: on the one hand, it loosens the soil and on the other hand, it enables more efficient watering.
Important: If your tree shows signs of deficiency, i.e. is barely thriving and/or is wilting, it makes sense to have the substrate examined so that the fertilization can then be adjusted specifically.
Keep the location of the walnut free
In the first three years you should keep the area around the walnut tree free, because young trees are still very sensitive and react sensitively to competition - including weeds.
Options:
- frequent weeding
- install a tight tree protection screen
Later, the falling leaves of the walnut itself ensure that hardly anything else can thrive under it. The leaves contain a lot of tannins.
Note: You should only cut the walnut tree if it is really necessary - and at the right time (late summer)!