How to Stop a Hickory Tree From Producing Nuts
A hickory tree produces nuts that can be eaten alone or used in various recipes. If the nuts are collected, a hickory tree can be enjoyed for many years. However, if the nuts are left on the ground, they can create a nuisance for the homeowner. Getting your hickory tree to stop producing nuts is done in the same manner as halting fruit production on a fruit tree. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Remove any catkins that form on the tree. Catkins are a hanging flower or bud that matures into hickory nuts. Without them the tree cannot produce nuts. The catkins will begin to form in the summer and stay tightly closed throughout the winter. They will begin to open in the spring. As soon as you notice the catkins, pluck as many of them off of the tree as you can.
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Fertilize the hickory tree with a nitrogen rich fertilizer which encourages growth of foliage, leaving little or no energy to produce buds. Place the fertilizer in an outward area around the tree during the fall and mid-spring. The fertilizer will need to be absorbed by the roots, which expand out away from the tree trunk. Use the length of the branches to determine how far the roots extend and place the fertilizer accordingly.
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Apply a hormone growth regulator designed to prevent the tree from producing nuts and fruit. Mix water with the hormone growth regulator according to the directions and pour into a garden sprayer. Using the garden sprayer, coat the foliage of the tree completely during the blooming stage.
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Tips & Warnings
Hormone growth regulator can be purchases at most garden centers and home improvement stores.
Read all warnings and follow all directions when working with chemicals.
