How to Grow Nut Trees in the Midwest

Climate and pollination are the two most important factors a gardener should take into consideration when choosing what species of nut tree to plant. Frosts, freezes, droughts, humid and wet weather, all play an important part into the success of growing nut trees. Nut trees species that are disease resistant should also be considered. As most nut trees require cross-pollination to produce fruit, a gardener also needs to ensure this will happen by planting another variety of nut tree.

Where to Plant and Type of Soil

Windy areas are not good for nut trees in that wind can short or deform top growth, and prematurely shake off the trees fruit. However, a gardener can provide protection in the form of windbreaks either natural or structural. Nut trees do not fare well if they are planted in low areas where frost comes late in the spring or early in the fall. Heavy clay soils should be avoided with the nut trees doing better in loamy or sandy soils that are well drained, with the exception of pecans.

How to Plant

As most nut trees become very large, a gardener needs to consider how they should space their trees. Planting close together is sure to obtain cross-pollination, but as the trees grown, filler trees will need to be removed to allow adequate room for growth. These should be removed before the branches of adjoining tree reach over to them. Some suggestions are to plant chestnut trees in an area 50 feet by 50 feet, and pecans and black walnut need more room so the area should be 60 feet by 60 feet.

How to Start

Nut trees can be started from seeds, seedlings, or grafting onto established seedlings. The benefit of starting from seeds is that the plant is not exposed to any problems that may occur due to transplanting. However, because of variations in tree and nut characteristics, seedlings grafted with an improved species may be a better option.

If starting from seed, plant it two inches deep in the fall, and protect it from nut-loving animals by putting a protective barrier around it. Use a small tin can with one end completely cut out, and about a two-inch hole in the top. Place the can over the seed and push it into the soil with the top at ground level. Add some straw or mulch and then remove it in spring. When the tree starts to grow through the tin can, you can remove use tin snips to remove it.

If wanting to plant in the seeds in spring, dormancy must be broken. To do this place seeds in damp peat moss, in a protective bag in the refrigerator at least ten week before you want to plant them. As young trees are susceptible to strain due to sunlight, plant them where they will receive some shade during the first summer of growth. If seedlings have been transplanted, prune the top heavily to help balance the roots that were loss during the transplant.

Fertilizing Your Nut Trees

If soil is rich and well drained, fertilizer may not be needed. However, if fertilizer is needed, do it yearly and keep it about one foot away from the tree trunk. Consult the fertilizer bag for exact amounts of fertilizer to spread.

Pruning

If pruning has been done at transplant, nut trees will need little as they grow, except for dead or damaged branches. If new shoots are close together, and competing for a spot, leave the strongest and straightest one and cut the other out. The lower branches should be shortened each year as the tree grows taller, and completely removed when the tree is fully mature and the top branches can protect the tree trunk from too much sun.

Source: Mastergardener classes