Pruning Walnuts

Walnuts require very little pruning. However, to do well they must have

plenty of light and air, and there must be room under the trees to

cultivate. To this end, keep all lateral growths removed the first two

years, pushing the strong terminal growth. Young trees so treated often

make five or six feet in that time. They must be staked and tied with a

broad strip of cloth. Cross the cloth between the stake and the twig so

as not to bruise the tender wood. As the limbs begin to grow take out an

occasional one to prevent the tree becoming too thick. When large limbs

are removed, cut on the slant, carefully waxing to prevent decay.

Heading-in is often beneficial when the tree does not seem to be

fruitful. Train the trees upward as much as possible.



In Roumania and some of the eastern countries of Europe, some of the

walnut trees have such an enormous spread that a flock of five hundred

sheep can lie in comfort beneath the shade of one tree and have ample

room. If this vine-like tendency to spread can be obviated by

intelligently training the trees upward, and its productiveness

maintained or increased, the walnut grower of Oregon will have

accomplished much in the conservation of our resources.



At present we can make a tree that will produce 500 pounds of walnuts in

25 to 30 years. With 12 trees to the acre, will give 6000 pounds of

nuts; two and one-half times that of wheat at 40 bushels per acre, and

they will not require the expensive refrigerator cars and rapid transit

of perishable fruits.