How to Start Nut Trees

Edible nut trees are favored and sought after trees for cottage gardens and urban landscapes and are an excellent source of protein. Nut trees such as almonds, hazelnut, pecan, chestnut, pistachios, butternut and walnut are all excellent choices for landscape improvement. They provide summer shade, a bountiful food crop and winter interest. If you have the right environment and soil on your property, you can plant a nut tree that will provide years of enjoyment for your family and friends.

Things You'll Need

• Peat moss
• Plastic storage bags
• Garden trowel
• Organic compost
• Garden gloves
• Pruning shears

Instructions

Planning Your Nut Orchard

1. Research the type of nut you wish to plant. Whether you plan to plant a single tree or develop a successful nut orchard, it is to important to determine that the site and soil are suitable for the crop you are trying to grow.

2. Choose nut tree species that are disease resistant and drought tolerant.

3. Choose a site that is gently sloping, well-drained and without low spots or frost pockets. Hillsides may be attractive planting sites for shade trees, however steep slopes are not easy to maintain for nut-harvesting purposes.

4. Consider the size of the tree at maturity. Select a planting location that will not interfere with property boundaries, utility lines or underground pipes.

5. Mark the location for the tree planting. If you are establishing a nut orchard, lay out where each tree will be located, allowing adequate space between each tree for growth and tree maintenance.

6. Consult with you county extension office for information on your soil type and to obtain a soil test to find out if nutrients are required to supplement the soil. Nut trees prefer sandy loam or clay soil.

Prepare The Soil

1. Add organic compost to enrich the soil. Supplement your soil requirements, particularly potassium, before you plant. Potassium is very difficult to incorporate after the nut trees are planted.

2. Amend the soil with iron if soil tests indicate a shortage of this vital mineral. Sprinkle bone meal on the soil around the base of the tree, following package instructions.

3. Till or plow organic compost to integrate into the soil.

Planting Your Nut Trees

1. Choose bare-root, nursery-grown nut trees when they are in the large seedling or sapling stage. At this stage of growth there is the least likelihood of root damage during planting.

2. Plant your trees in the spring. Spring planting of nut trees is better than fall planting because it reduces the chance of winter injury.

3. Soak the roots of nursery stock trees prior to planting. Place in a tub or bucket and cover the roots with water. Soak overnight prior to planting.

4. Prune off all broken or excessively long roots prior to planting.

5. Dig a whole twice as deep and twice as wide as the root system of the tree. Tap roots should be able to fit into the hole without undue bending.

6. Place the tree centered in the hole and fill 1/3 of the hole with a mixture of equal parts soil, organic compost and peat moss.

7. Tap the mixture in gently to settle around the roots, eliminating all air pockets. Fill the hole with water. Allow water to settle and drain.

8. Fill the remainder of the hole, keeping the tree aligned vertically and centered. Water it well.

9. Top dress the planting area with a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch. Straw, aged non-treated sawdust, torn strips of cardboard or newspaper may be used.

References

• Establishing A Nut Orchard
• Establishing Nut Trees