For a long time now, walnut trees have been famous for more than just their gorgeous, stately look in backyards and parks. They’re also a total powerhouse when it comes to growing your own healthy snacks! If you pick the right spot, your walnut tree will thrive and put on a spectacular show every season.
Walnut trees are surprisingly low-maintenance
One of the best things about walnut trees is that they’re pretty chill and don’t require a ton of extra fuss. However, the secret to success is all about the planting phase and picking the perfect location. When a walnut tree is happy, it’ll let you know by growing like crazy and showing off a massive abundance of blooms.
Aim for a sunny or partially shaded spot
When you’re scouting out a spot, try to find somewhere with plenty of sun. While these trees can handle partial shade, they really don’t like being stuck in the dark all day. A full-shade location is a no-go. Give your tree some Vitamin D, and it’ll thank you with vigorous growth!
The best soil for your walnut tree
While walnut roots are tough enough to push through almost any ground, they definitely have a “favorite” environment. For the best start possible, aim for soil that is:
- Consistently moist
- Slightly sandy
- Slightly acidic to neutral (though they can handle alkaline soil just fine)
Just a heads-up: try to avoid soil that is *too* sandy or prone to standing water. Walnut trees hate “wet feet,” and waterlogged soil will make them grow very slowly and reluctantly.
Give your tree plenty of elbow room
In the early years, walnut trees focus on shooting upward, but once they hit their height, they start spreading out wide. When you’re picking a spot, make sure you plan for the future. You’ll want a minimum of about 30 x 30 feet (10 x 10 meters) of open space.
Keep in mind that walnut trees are deep-rooters with incredibly thick, strong roots. You’ll want to keep a safe distance from other plants, buildings, and walls to avoid any structural drama down the road. Here are some good rules of thumb for spacing:
- 30 to 50 feet away from other fruit trees
- 20 to 30 feet away from garages, houses, or stone walls
- 25 to 30 feet away from your neighbor’s property line
