When it comes to getting a walnut tree off to a great start, timing is everything. If you want your tree to really thrive and grow strong, you need to pick the right window for planting. While you technically have some flexibility, there are two specific times of year that work best for these beauties.
The Best Times to Plant Your Walnut Tree
In theory, you can plant a walnut tree almost any time of year. Since they are hardy trees, they can handle the cooler months as long as the ground isn’t frozen solid. However, if you want to give your tree the best shot at success, you should aim for one of these two seasons:
- Spring
- Fall
Planting Your Walnut Tree in the Spring
If you’re looking at a spring planting, mid-April is usually the “sweet spot.” The most important thing for a young walnut tree is that the soil has had a chance to warm up a bit. By mid-April, the ground has typically reached a comfortable temperature for those new roots to start settling in.
Spring planting is actually the way to go if you live in an area where early frosts hit as soon as September or October. In those colder climates, planting in the fall can be risky because the young tree might freeze before it’s fully established.
Planting Your Walnut Tree in the Fall
If you prefer to get your hands in the dirt during the fall, you still need to keep an eye on that soil temperature. You want to get the tree in the ground while the earth is still holding onto some summer warmth. Never plant when the ground is already chilled through or starting to freeze. Depending on the weather in your neck of the woods, you can often plant as late as mid-to-late November.
There’s actually a huge perk to fall planting: it gives the tree several weeks (or even months) before the deep winter freeze to grow “fine roots.” These tiny root hairs are absolute pros at soaking up water, giving the tree a head start for the following year.
Pro Tip: Watch Out for Frost!
No matter which season you choose, keep this in mind: walnut trees—especially their tender new shoots, leaves, and buds—are very sensitive to frost. You’ll want to protect them from those sneaky early frosts in the fall and the late-season cold snaps in the spring.
When is the Right Time to Transplant?
If you already have a tree and need to move your walnut tree to a new home, wait until late fall. The best time to do this is right after the tree has dropped its leaves for the season. This gives it plenty of time to settle into its new spot and get comfortable before the next growing season begins.
