www.timeandbeing.com

Black Walnut Trees

"Black walnut (Juglans nigra), also called eastern black walnut and American walnut, is one of the scarcest and most coveted native hardwoods. Small natural groves frequently found in mixed forests on moist alluvial soils have been heavily logged. The fine straight-grained wood made prize pieces of solid furniture and gunstocks. As the supply diminishes, the remaining quality black walnut is used primarily for veneer. The distinctive tasting nuts are in demand for baked goods and ice cream, but people must be quick to harvest them before the squirrels. The shells are ground for use in many products." --Robert D. Williams, About.com

Black Walnut grows with a rounded crown to about 70 feet (can reach 100 to 150 feet in the woods) and spreads 60 to 80 feet when open grown (Fig. 1). Best growth occurs in a sunny open location and a moist rich soil, common along stream banks in its native habitat. The tree grows rapidly when young but slows down with age and develops with a number of massive branches well spaced along the trunk forming a very strong, durable tree. While valued as a lumber tree it may not make the best yard tree. The nuts are edible but are a nuisance to clean up and leaves often fall prematurely from some type of leaf disease.

Place the tree so it will receive an adequate supply of water. It is not drought tolerant, often dropping leaves in dry spells and is poorly adapted for urban soils. It is really most happy in the loose gravely soil of stream banks and other undisturbed areas but tolerates alkaline and wet soil." - From Fact Sheet on Black Walnut - USDA Forest Service

Tax breaks. The tax breaks can be a very good deal. Indiana appraises Classified Forestland at $1/acre and Iowa eliminates all tax for such woodland, as two examples. Also consider putting the ground in Conservation Reserve (CRP or CREP). You get payments for 10-15 years at the going local rental rate. Planting trees should be acceptable on CRP ground but check with your county agent first (in fact on CREP ground they'll probably require and pay for planting trees).

Site selection. The black walnut trees grow in pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 and sometime put-up three to five feet of growth in one year. Soil phosphorus levels are very important for the tree to develop strong tree trunk, and the availability of phosphorus is highly depended on the pH of soil and soil structure. Soil with high organic matter will increase the growth but tree is bend in third and fourth year. It is important to balance the nitrogen, potassium, calcium and potassium ratio in order to keep the tree service for long time.

Good soil. Ideally good soil is with high organic matter, very will drain, rich, deep aerated soil and that is has good moisture holding capacity. If the soil is very well drained, it will help the tree put more roots and deep roots. The problem with well-aerated soil is that the nutrients leach and continuous nutrients are needed to be applied for maintaining the health of trees. Other Important factors of growing a good black walnut tree is to apply liming, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer. A good fertilizer and soil amendment recommendation in soil with neutral pH and medium levels of soil phosphorus, potassium and sulphur is the application of 1000 pounds per acre of Gypsum, and 450 pounds per acre of NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) fertilizer at the ratio of 6-24-24. High nitrogen applications is not necessary after three years and even in some soils after two years. It increases lodging, and breaking of the tips and sometime whole trees.

Soil Ca/Mg. It is very important to mention that we have seen black walnuts grow very well in ratios of one to seven of Ca/Mg. If the ratio of calcium and magnesium decreases then the tree lodging is noticed on many projects. It was also noticed on many soil tests that when the high magnesium ratios were reduced it retarded root development. Root development was slow and sometimes fertilizer applications would not given any positive response. Therefore, selection of the soil with proper calcium and magnesium ratios is very important for optimum growth of black walnut trees.

Higher rate of growth. Once the cultivars are selected and if it is high breed grafted and patented by Dr. Walker Beineke, then the growth rate of the trees could be 500 to 1000 times more under a proper nutrient management program. I am presenting some picture, which under better cultivars and nutrient and soil fertility management program. The growth of trees was fast and manageable. Since it takes 25 to 30 years for the tree to reach maturity, our goal is to improve the soil fertility and management technique and keep the desirable height and diameter and strength of the trees. The time of maturity can be reduced by 20 to 30%. It has been done on plants like ginseng and cranberry, just the nutrients, and cultivars changed and introduced the high tech management has reduced the time factor by 30 to 40%. This is also possible in tree crops such as black walnut trees. --Reference

Important factors

Planting on high pH, sandy soils, well drained

High phosphorus and high Organic matter

Calcareous soil with drip irrigation

Well watered

Location, hot climate

Tree shelters

Prevent damage

Weed and pest control

Notes on planting. Pruning is good for the tree and helps the tree grow faster and healthier. Cut the tree branches that are less than two inches in diameter but leave the branch collar on the tree. The branch collar is the area slightly larger in diameter than the branch that sits between the branch of the tree and the tree trunk. Cut off a couple of branches each year to prune the tree.

Lateral pruning should be started when trees reach 6-8 feet tall. A series of prunings gradually increases the length of clear stem on the tree. Each pruning should try and leave 40 to 50 percent of the tree height with a clear bole, but no more than 25 percent of the total length of the crown should be removed in any one pruning. Ideally, you want to prune up as high as practical. At a minimum, you should prune the lower 17-18 feet of the stem and, if possible, the lower 24-25 feet should be pruned.

Tree density. If using genetically superior grafted stock with the objective of producing high-quality sawtimber and veneer, a reasonable recommendation for planting density would be about 140 trees per acre (TPA) (Table 1). This equates to an initial tree spacing of 15 feet by 20 feet. From this starting point, a series of thinnings will periodically reduce tree density, each time selecting the largest and best formed trees to remain. A practical target is to try and have 90-100 TPA (trees per acre) remaining when the average tree size in the plantation reaches 10-12 inches (21-22 foot average spacing between trees). The final target number of trees per acre to manage for can vary, and will depend on the owners preferences. If your goal is to continue to maximize individual tree growth and shorten the rotation as much as possible, then a reasonable target would be to manage for 25-35 trees per acre when the average tree diameter has reached 18-20 inches (35-40 foot average spacing). A more conservative approach would be to manage for 50 to 75 trees per acre when average diameter is 18-20 inches (25-30 foot spacing). The higher density will result in a longer rotation as the trees take longer to reach the target size. but total stand volume will be greater and the slower tree growth may result in a higher quality veneer. --Reference

Soil texture is more important than chemistry. A 1996 publication demonstrated that soil texture is more important than soil chemistry (pH, OC, P, K, Mg, Ca, and Zn levels measured to a depth of 4 ft) in the growth of black walnut trees.

Soil type Tree height (ft) Soil texture at depth (inches) Conclusion

0-12 12-24 24-36 36-48

Barbourville 1, eroded 19-37 sandy loam sandy loam sandy loam loam Good-Best

Barbourville 1 10-32 loam loam loam sandy loam Good

Barbourville sil 12-34 loam loam loam sandy loam Good

Allegheny sil 3-17 silty clay loam clay loam sandy loam sandy loam Bad-Worst

Shelbiana sil 6-28 silty clay loam silty clay loam clay loam loam Bad

Black walnut tree height was greatest on the loamy textured Barbourville soils as compared to the slightly heavier textured Allegheny and Shelbiana soils. The Barbourville Series consisted of deep well drained soils on footslopes and alluvial fans. They formed in colluvial and alluvial material. Typically, these soils have a dark brown loam surface layer, 12 inches thick. The subsoil, from 12 to 14 inches, is brown loam and from 18 to 23 inches, is dark yellowish brown gravelly loam. The mottled substratum, from 33 to 50 inches, is yellowish brown gravelly loam. Slopes range from 0 to 20 percent. --Reference

Understory competition is important. In 54 black walnut stands in south central United States, the site index (i.e., mean dominant height [DH], at age 25 years) ranged between 5.2 and 21.4 m, and was independent of stand density. There were no differences in height and stem diameter (DBH) growth rates between stands with improved varieties and native stock...Understory competition had a substantial detrimental effect on DH (dominant growth). In a 26 year-old stand, trees growing within Kentucky blue grass (Poa pratensis) had a site index 5 m greater than trees growing within tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). --Reference

Interplanting of autumn-olive. One way to assure faster growth on most sites appears to be by interplanting black walnut with autumn-olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) (Funk et al. 1979). Autumn-olive is a non-leguminous shrub capable of growing satisfactorily on a variety of sites because of its ability to fix nitrogen (like peanuts and hemp)....Planting black walnut in mixture with autumn-olive and annual applications of pesticides containing nitrogen improved the growth of black walnut more than fertilizer. Early correction of the nutritional deficiencies of young black walnut trees, based on soil and foliar analyses, could be less expensive than later correction, if acceptable growth is to be maintained throughout the rotation. Reference. However, please note that autumn-olive is an invasive species and may be difficult to control and uproot once established. Reference. The fruit of autumn-olive is edible and has high amounts of lycopene, a carotenoid pigment most commonly associated with tomato, which is considered an important phytonutrient and is thought to prevent or fight cancer of the prostate, mouth, throat and skin, and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. There are varieties available commercially that were selected for fruit quality and are sold for edible landscaping (Hidden Springs Nursery, Cookeville, TN). Reference

Ground cover of Dutch White clover. [Also consider Mammoth Red Clover as an alternate.] It grows quickly and easily, chokes out weeds and is easily 'turned in' to the beds when planting time draws near. The deep root system reduces soil compaction. Clover is also a nitrogen-fixing plant, which enriches the soil with natural fertilizer. Dutch white clover is often blended with lawn seed for its value as a natural fertilizer and because it grows well in poor clay subsoil common around new home construction. White clover germinates in 7 - 10 days, and grows to a height of 4- 8". It does need moisture at time of germination, but is drought tolerant once established. Dutch White clover is an effective alternative to lawns because:

it is relatively low-growing, at about 4 - 8" high

tolerates low mowing well

stays green through droughty periods of summer

tolerates dog urine

Clover is not durable enough for playing surfaces or high use areas. Johnny's Selected Seeds sells a 50-pound bag for Zone B (i.e. Tennessee) which covers 5 acres for $236 + $38 shipping. Sow after first cultivation at 1/4 lb. per 1,000 sq.ft. (10 lb./acre) and rake or cultivate to cover. Average of 750,000 seeds per pound. Dutch white clover will grow best if planted in moist, well-drained soils. It also requires a neutral soil pH in order to reach its full growth potential. White Dutch is more tolerant of poor soils than other white clovers and will survive on slightly acidic, sandy soils. Do not apply nitrogen to lawns containing White Clovers. The two most important soil fertility factors in growing white clover are pH and phosphorus. A soil test is recommended for determining nutrients needed. Inoculants: Clover, as with other legumes, should be inoculated for proper nitrogen processing. Inoculants are cultures of nitrogen fixing nodule bacteria in a peat based medium. Be sure and purchase an inoculant if your legume seeds are not pre-inoculated and you are planting on a poor soil with low nitrogen levels.

Doyle Log Volume Table. The highest values are in high-quality logs 16 inches or larger in diameter. To be marketable in regular markets as a sawlog, a tree should contain a log that is 8-1/2 feet long and at least 12 inches inside the bark across the small end. There are exceptions to this general rule. In areas of high demand, it is sometimes possible to sell large logs less than 8 feet long or logs smaller than 12 inches in diameter. Reference

Log length Diameter of log, small end, inside bark (inches)

10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

8 feet 18 32 50 72 98 128 162 200

10 feet 22 40 62 90 122 160 202 250

12 feet 27 48 75 108 147 192 243 300

14 feet 31 56 87 126 171 224 283 350

16 feet 36 64 100 144 196 256 324 400

18 feet 40 72 112 162 220 288 364 450

Log grades. Top-grade veneer generally must be 16 inches or larger in diameter inside the bark (DIB) at the small end of the log. The logs must be butt logs 9 feet (plus trim) or longer in length. The logs must be straight, uniformly round, have moderate to thin sapwood, be uniform in color with no visible defects and have no noticeable dark streaks or bird peck, and be from live trees. Good veneer comes only from butt logs that are sound, straight, and free of cracks, metal, shake or excessive sapwood. They must be 14 inches DIB or larger and 9 feet long (plus trim) or longer. Logs 9 or 10 feet long must be 100 percent clear. Logs 11 feet and longer must contain three clear faces, but the fourth face can be only 85 percent clear. Average veneer comes from butt logs and second cut logs. Logs must be 6 feet (plus trim) or longer. Six-foot logs must be 100 percent clear and 14 inches DIB or larger. Seven-foot and longer logs must be 14 inches DIB and have two clear faces, with the remaining two faces having sound defects only. Twelve-inch DIB logs must be 8 feet and longer. Good lumber logs are from butts and second cuts 12 inches DIB or larger and are 6 feet long (plus trim) or longer. Logs should have two clear adjacent faces, and must be reasonably straight and free of metal and shake. They must be 85 percent clear in 3-foot cuttings on two or more faces of the log. Average lumber logs are expected to yield a fair percent of one face and better lumber. Logs must be 11 inches DIB or larger and be 6 feet (plus trim) or longer. They must be free of metal but can have a slight crook. They must be 85 percent clear in 3-foot cuttings on at least one face of the log.

When to sell. Winter usually is the best season for tree sales. Some buyers will offer higher stumpage prices if the time allowed for removal is lengthened.

Consecutively numbered. To properly manage a walnut stand, each merchantable-sized tree should be consecutively numbered 1, 2, 3, etc. Special tree marking paint is available from forestry supply catalogs. It can be easily seen, can't be removed without being noticeable and will last several years.

Black walnut pictures. Pictures of tree and nuts.

Parasite cleanse from black walnut hull tincture. Reference

Nut farming. Optimum nut production and optimum wood production are not normally produced by the same tree. (See Growing Black Walnut for Nut Production.) The publication Flowering and Fruit Characteristics of Black Walnuts: A Tool for Identifying and Selecting Cultivars includes 40 name cultivars and their characteristics for nut production. Hulling stations within 100 miles of McMinnville, TN here. Hammon's Products of Stockton, Missouri is the largest regional, if not national leader in black walnuts. See Hammons Products Company; In 2006, Hammons paid .50 to .60 per pound (after hulling weight) for nuts from improved cultivars. A pickup load of the less desirable wild variety (worth about .15 per pound) can bring in about $100 from Hammons. Under the very best of conditions and care, a black walnut orchard may be able to product 2,000 pounds of husked and air-dried walnuts per acre.

Black walnuts sold online are priced at a premium to English walnuts. Prices listed on NutsOnline.com on 08/18/2010 indicated black walnuts were worth $7 per pound (In Shell) and $14 per pound (Large Pieces). By comparison, English Walnuts were selling for $3 per pound (In Shell) and $7 per pound (Pieces). To sell nuts directly requires a product label. Mechanical nut hullers built in Canada cost between $2,000 and $2,500. Useful links on this and other options here.

Alley cropping. A farmer using this alley cropping technique. Uses grafting to speed fruit production.