How to Grow Hazelnut Trees

Hazelnut trees are native to North America and can be grown successfully in most regions of the United States. All they require is neutral or slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Hazelnut trees can grow 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The average tree produces about 5 qts. of nuts per year.

Things You'll Need

• Compost
• Small hazelnut tree
• Shovel
• Water
• Fertilizer
• Insecticide

Instructions

1. Find a place in your yard that is protected from wind. Hazelnut flowers are sensitive to wind; restrict the wind and you'll get more nuts.

2. Dig a hole 6 inches wider and 6 inches deeper than the root ball of the tree.

3. Pour about 1 inch of compost into the hole. Compost can be any organic material, from grass clippings to vegetable scraps to sawdust.

4. Shovel 1 inch of soil into the hole. Thoroughly mix the compost with the soil. Add just enough water so the soil and compost are moist.

5. Repeat Step 3 and and Step 4 two more times.

6. Place the tree in the hole. Fill the gaps with soil, then water it until it is moist. Leftover soil can be set aside or mixed with compost to be spread across your yard.

7. Fertilize the plant two times annually for the first couple of years. Fertilize it once per year for the following years.

8. Watch for insects that live inside the buds. These are mites, and they can destroy the tree if they are not sprayed with insecticide.

References

• Hazelnut Tree Care
• Composting