Walnut trees are famous for being absolute giants. It’s not unusual to see them tower up to 100 feet high with a massive spread to match. But if you don’t have a massive estate, don’t worry! With a few clever strategies, you can keep a walnut tree much smaller and more manageable for a standard backyard.
Why a “Hack Job” Won’t Work
For many garden plants, a heavy-duty pruning session is the go-to way to control size. Unfortunately, that’s just not how walnut trees roll. Trying to keep a walnut tree small through radical pruning usually backfires.
Instead of staying small, the tree reacts by sending out a burst of vigorous new growth. You’ll end up with a tree that’s even bushier and wilder than before. Plus, hacking away too much at once can actually stress the tree out and shorten its lifespan.
Better Ways to Keep Your Walnut Tree Small
If you’re dreaming of walnuts but short on space, you’ve got two main paths:
- Try your hand at the art of Bonsai.
- Choose a specialty dwarf variety from the start.
Growing a Walnut Bonsai
Believe it or not, you can actually grow a walnut tree as a bonsai. Now, I’ll be honest—this is a bit controversial in the gardening world. Some experts argue it makes the tree more prone to disease and shortens its life. However, if your goal is to keep a walnut tree truly tiny, bonsai techniques are a legitimate (and beautiful) way to do it.
Smart Choices: Dwarf and Compact Varieties
Not every walnut tree is destined to be a 100-foot behemoth. If you want a “standard” tree that just stays a bit more compact, look for the “Weinsberg” walnut. Its canopy usually tops out at a diameter of about 25 feet, which is much smaller than the typical 30 to 50-foot spread of most walnuts.
If you need something even smaller, go for a true dwarf variety. The “Europa” is a fan favorite because it only reaches about 11 feet tall. There are even ultra-dwarf varieties that stay around 5 feet, making them perfect for growing in pots on your patio!
