Cut Down Size Of Black Walnut Tree

Question

Fully matured tree 40′ high X 50′ in Diameter. Has several hundred pounds of potential nuts. Would like to cut it back to a more manageable size. It is dwarfing an Apple and Filbert trees. How radical and aggressive can I be? Bill Downey

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Answer 1

As aggressive as you want. These will come back with a vengeance, so if you don't want a bigger tree to deal with later on- I would remove it.

I am surprised that anything will grow near it, since it will not play nice with many plants. The tree will use chemical warfare (juglone) in the soil to kill off others in the area.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/design/professional/when-to-call-tree-cutting-professionals.htm

This article is specific to the relative of the walnut- the pecan. It is just as relevant:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/nut-trees/pecan/pecan-tree-toxicity.htm

This article will offer information on juglone resistant species:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/nut-trees/black-walnut/black-walnut-compatible-plants.htm

This article pertains to tree removal:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/design/professional/when-to-call-tree-cutting-professionals.htm