The decision to purchase and plant a walnut tree, a member of the Juglans genus, marks the beginning of a long-term investment in both nut production and timber value. Finding the right source for healthy, high-quality nursery stock is the first significant step toward success. Since walnut trees can live and produce for decades, careful consideration of the supplier and the specific characteristics of the tree itself is paramount.
Types of Walnut Tree Suppliers
The availability and expertise of a supplier often determine the health and regional suitability of the walnut tree you acquire. Local nurseries and garden centers provide convenience and allow for physical inspection of the tree before purchase. These outlets typically stock common varieties that are already adapted to the immediate climate, and their staff can often offer localized planting advice. However, the selection of specific cultivars or rootstocks at a general garden center may be quite limited.
A broader range of genetic material is usually found at specialized nut tree farms or orchards, which focus solely on Juglans species. These operations maintain a high level of expertise, offering a wider selection of grafted cultivars and specific rootstocks chosen for improved performance. While they may operate primarily through mail-order, their stock often comes with reliable certification and a greater focus on disease resistance, which is valuable for long-term growth.
Online and mail-order nurseries provide the largest selection, often selling specialized or newly developed cultivars that local sources do not carry. This option is particularly common for bare-root stock, which is lighter and more economical to ship across long distances. However, purchasing online means the buyer cannot physically inspect the tree’s health or root system until it arrives, making the vendor’s reputation and guarantee policy especially significant.
Essential Selection Criteria for Walnut Trees
The first decision involves choosing the appropriate species, primarily between the English or Persian walnut (Juglans regia) and the Black walnut (Juglans nigra). J. regia is the commercial standard, prized for its thin shell and mild-flavored kernel, with popular cultivars like Chandler and Hartley accounting for a large portion of the market. Conversely, the native North American J. nigra is known for its rich, intense flavor and highly valued dark timber, though its nuts have a much thicker, harder shell.
Beyond the species, the selection of a specific cultivar is crucial, as it determines factors like cold hardiness and the required number of chill hours for successful fruiting. For instance, the Carpathian variety of J. regia is known for greater cold tolerance, while other cultivars are selected for their resistance to common diseases. Choosing a cultivar that is well-suited to the local climate significantly increases the likelihood of a productive tree.
The rootstock is the root system onto which the desired nut-producing cultivar (the scion) is grafted. Commercial walnut trees are often grafted onto Black walnut or Paradox hybrid rootstocks (crosses between J. nigra and J. regia). Rootstocks influence vigor and provide tolerance to soil-borne pathogens, such as Phytophthora and Crown Gall disease. Clonal Paradox rootstocks, for instance, are often selected for improved tolerance to specific nematodes and soil conditions.
Finally, the form of the tree—bare-root or container-grown—must be considered. Bare-root trees, which are dug up and shipped while dormant, are less expensive and establish a wider root network faster after planting. Container-grown trees, however, offer the convenience of year-round planting and allow the buyer to visually assess the root structure for signs of being “pot-bound” before purchase. When inspecting any tree, look for a robust, fibrous root system, a straight trunk, and a healthy graft union free of swelling or discoloration.
Logistics of Ordering and Receiving Trees
Walnut trees are typically ordered and delivered to coincide with their dormant period to ensure a successful start. Bare-root stock is generally ordered in the fall or winter for delivery in late winter or early spring, which is the optimal planting time before bud break. This timing minimizes transplant shock and allows the tree to focus its energy on root establishment before the stress of leafing out.
Upon receiving a mail-order tree, an immediate inspection is necessary to check for shipping damage. The buyer must examine the trunk for broken limbs, the graft union for cracks, and the roots for excessive dryness or mold. If any significant damage is noted, it must be reported to the supplier immediately, as most nurseries offer a limited warranty, often requiring notification within a short window after delivery.
If planting cannot occur immediately, temporary handling is required to keep the tree viable. Bare-root stock must be prevented from drying out by keeping the roots moist, often by soaking them in water for a few hours immediately upon arrival. For delays longer than a day or two, “heeling in” is necessary, which involves temporarily burying the roots in a trench of moist soil, sand, or compost to protect them from air exposure. Container-grown trees simply need to be kept watered and sheltered from strong sun and wind until they can be planted in their permanent location.