Inexperienced hobby gardeners are always confused about whether you should, can or must cut a walnut - or whether this measure is counterproductive. Our guide explains things.
Is cutting a walnut tree forbidden?
Is cutting a walnut tree forbidden? No, cutting a walnut tree is not strictly forbidden, but it should be carefully considered due to its sensitivity. In most cases a cut is not necessary; an intervention can only be useful for shape cuts. The right time and professional technique are important.
Walnut tree as a cut-sensitive plant
The fact is that the walnut reacts sensitively to cutting measures. It is a plant that tends to bleed profusely. That's why - if you want to cut - you have to wait for the right time.
Note: The right time for cutting work is late summer, between the end of August and mid-September.
If you start cutting the precious nut too early or too late, you risk causing serious damage. In the worst case scenario, a walnut tree can die if done incorrectly. Of course, the wrong approach not only relates to the timing, but also to the activity itself. Professional cutting is elementary!
But: Do you even have to cut the walnut?
In and of itself, a walnut tree does not need regular pruning, at least not for the reasons that other plants are pruned, i.e. to increase yield and/or stimulate growth. In fact, the walnut thrives best when it is allowed to grow undisturbed.
But what can sometimes become necessary is a topiary - for example if the walnut tree sprouts unsightly branches or grows in an unpleasant direction. In such cases you should carry out an educational or corrective cut.
In short, cutting the walnut tree is not forbidden per se. However, due to the sensitivity of the plant, you should carefully consider whether a cut is necessary or whether you can do without it.
Practical tips for cutting a walnut
Here are some tips on the specific procedure for cutting a walnut:
- Cut neither too far away from the shoot nor too close to the bud
- always cut slightly diagonally
- remove steeply growing shoots
- remove shoots competing with the framework (the leading shoots)
- Align scaffolding shoots of different lengths
Important: What you should generally avoid on a walnut tree is radical pruning.
In addition, it does not make sense to treat the tree's wounds with tree wax and similar products after cutting (this is dangerous!). The walnut has extremely good self-healing properties that you should trust.