How to Prune Walnut Trees

Walnut trees are planted in a large area in China. During the planting process, growers must do a good job of pruning to promote the healthy growth of walnut trees and ensure their yield. Below, the editor will introduce the correct method of pruning walnut trees. Let’s take a look.

1. Pruning time

1. Spring pruning

It is carried out before the walnut tree sprouts and until the early stage of leaf expansion, mainly to repair and adjust the growth of the previous year. Pruning at this time can promote the growth of new shoots and the formation of flower buds, laying the foundation for the fruiting of the year.

2. Summer pruning

This should be carried out during the vigorous growth period of the walnut tree, and light pruning, pinching or thinning of dense branches should be carried out according to the growth of the branches. Summer pruning is mainly to adjust the crown structure and light conditions, promote photosynthesis, and improve fruit quality and yield.

3. Autumn pruning

After harvesting, combined with fertilization, you can moderately thin out some of the branches that block the interior, improve ventilation and light conditions, and help the trees better prepare for the winter. However, autumn pruning should be avoided too late to avoid affecting the accumulation of nutrients and the tree's wintering.

2. Pruning method

1. Shorten

Prune vigorously growing branches and retain the buds at the base to promote the growth of new branches. The objects of pruning are usually the branches with vigorous growth starting from the first and second branches, and the pruning length is 1/4 to 1/2 of the branch length. After pruning, about 3 long branches can sprout, which can be used to cultivate new and renew branch groups.

2. Shrinkage

Prune back perennial branches to promote the growth of new branches and renew old branches. The amount of cutback should be determined according to the specific circumstances, and the angle of pruning should be carefully considered. For slender and drooping branches, you can pull them back to the branches behind to restore their vitality.

3. Thinning

Remove dense, overlapping, crossed or sickly branches from the base to increase ventilation and light transmission of the crown. When thinning, care must be taken to keep the crown layers in order and to avoid any holes in the crown.

4. Picking

Remove the tender buds at the top of the new shoots to promote the growth of branches and increase the lignification of the branches. Pinching is mainly used to cultivate small branches and shape them, and is usually done in June.

5. Pulling and supporting branches

Upright branches or branches with unreasonable angles can be artificially pulled apart or propped up with sticks to change the original angle of the branches , so as to achieve ventilation and light transmission and promote the formation of fruiting branches.

The above is an introduction to the correct pruning method for walnut trees. The pruning of walnut trees should be done at the appropriate time based on the specific age, vigor and purpose of the tree to ensure the best pruning effect while avoiding unnecessary nutrient loss and tree weakening.