Questions like “I want to completely cut my walnut tree. Is that possible?” can often be read in tree forums. The basic tenor of the respondents is basically always the same: it is generally not advisable to radically cut a walnut. We are also of the opinion that extreme cutting measures should be avoided when it comes to a walnut tree. You can find out why in this guide!
Is a radical cut on the walnut tree advisable?
Radical pruning of a walnut tree is not recommended as it significantly shortens the tree's lifespan and can cause excessive bleeding. Ideally, only minor cuts should be made in the event of unfavorable growth or damage in order to maintain the he alth of the tree.
The walnut tree – a sensitive little tree that is sensitive to cuts
Walnut trees are always sensitive to cutting. That's in their nature. They tend to bleed profusely - that is, a lot of tree sap comes out of wounds. This can become a problem, especially if the hobby gardener cuts too much at the wrong time.
Never cut your walnut just before winter or during potentially frosty months, this could cause serious damage. It is ideal to trim walnut trees in late summer, between the end of August and the beginning of September. During this time, comparatively little sap circulates in the tree fibers.
But: Before carrying out any intervention, always ask yourself whether it is even necessary to cut the walnut tree. This type of tree actually doesn't need any pruning.
Exceptions:
- The tree grows unfavorably.
- It is damaged by natural influences (such as a storm).
Only in such cases do you have to use pruning shears (€38.00 on Amazon) or saw to cut your walnut tree.
What a radical cut can do to the walnut
The fact is - experts agree on this based on their experiences: radical pruning significantly shortens the lifespan of the walnut tree.
For this reason, we recommend that you avoid such an extreme measure unless it is absolutely necessary.
Unfavorable growth forces radical cuts
If the walnut tree threatens to become dangerous due to its growth (and possibly an incorrectly chosen location when planting), you are obliged to take action.
Note: Possible dangers include the branches of the tree reaching houses - or the tree blocking road traffic.
How to properly cut the walnut
We recommend that you react early if there is an impending danger from the walnut - so that you can make smaller cuts regularly and avoid radical cuts.
- Carry out a test cut (tree sap check).
- Cut professionally.
- Redirect trimmed branches to smaller shoots.
- Wounds may be a maximum of ten centimeters in size.
- Leave the tree to heal itself (no wax!).
