A walnut tree can reach impressive heights of up to 100 feet and spread its branches just as wide. However, how much it grows each year depends on a few key factors—some of which are under your control, and some that are just up to Mother Nature.
What Really Drives Walnut Tree Growth?
If you’re wondering how fast your tree will take off, it usually comes down to these three things:
- The specific variety or cultivar you planted,
- How old the tree is,
- The local environment and how well the tree is cared for.
Different Varieties, Different Speeds
Not all walnut trees are on the same schedule. For example, grafted walnut trees usually grow about 20 to 40 inches per year. On the other hand, trees grown directly from seeds or cuttings can really shoot up—sometimes adding three to six feet a year—though they usually don’t hit that stride until their third year in the ground.
Growth Milestones Over the Years
It’s not just about the DNA; the age of your walnut tree plays a huge role in its development.
- Generally speaking, a walnut tree doesn’t really “take off” until its second or third year. In the beginning, the tree focuses almost entirely on getting taller. During this phase, seeing it grow several feet in a single season is totally normal. It’s a bit different for specialized cultivars bred for high nut production; these tend to grow more slowly, averaging about 20 to 40 inches of growth annually.
- Once the tree hits about 30 years old, the vertical “growth spurt” starts to level off, and the tree begins to focus on its width. This is when the canopy really starts to fill out. This age also marks the tree’s prime years for producing a heavy harvest of nuts.
- By the time the tree reaches its 40th year, even the crown starts to slow down its expansion.
- Vertical growth usually stops completely between 60 and 80 years of age. From that point on, the tree won’t get any taller. It has officially entered its “senior” phase, and you’ll likely notice the nut production starting to taper off a bit as well.
Location and Care Tips
If you want your walnut tree to reach its full potential, picking the right spot is half the battle. These trees crave plenty of sunlight. They also love nutrient-rich, loamy soil to fuel their growth. One quick tip: despite what you might hear about other fruit trees, pruning a walnut tree won’t actually make it grow faster or taller. In fact, it’s often better to let them do their own thing!
