How can I water nut trees properly?

• Walnut trees origin
• Walnut tree care and location
• Pruning nut trees
• Watering nut trees
• Fertilizing nut trees

Nut trees provide healthy and protein-rich fruits, making them particularly valuable for many people. In this article, you'll find general instructions for watering nut trees and basic information on care, pruning, and fertilizing. If you'd like to delve deeper, you'll also find articles on walnut, Hazelnut, Sweet chestnut or AlmondProper care for nut trees is especially important if you want a bountiful harvest.

Walnut trees origin

The genus Walnut trees is not a botanical family in the strict sense, but rather a collective term for tree and shrub species whose fruits are hard-shelled, oil-containing nuts or nut-like seeds. Here are the most important edible nut trees in Germany and their origins:

• walnut (Juglans regia) is native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. It was cultivated in ancient times and came to Central Europe with the Romans.
• Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) is native throughout Europe and has been growing wild in forests and hedges since the last ice age.
• Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) was probably already cultivated around the Mediterranean in the Bronze Age and was specifically cultivated in Germany in the Middle Ages. 
• Almond tree (Prunus dulcis) originates from the Middle East, but has become an indispensable part of Mediterranean cultural landscapes.
• Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is native to North America and is increasingly cultivated, especially in warmer regions such as southern France or northern Italy.

Walnut tree care and location

When planting a walnut tree, it's important to think long-term. Make sure the tree has enough space to develop. Here are some basic guidelines for a good location for walnut trees:

• Light requirements: All nut trees prefer a sunny to at most partially shaded location. Too little light impairs fruit production. This is especially true for sweet chestnuts, almonds, and pecans. 
• Soil: Deep, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, and well-drained soils are ideal. Waterlogging or compacted soils are poorly tolerated. 
• Root system: Many nut tree species develop extensive or deep roots. Make sure to maintain sufficient distance from buildings and sensitive plants. 

Regular care is especially crucial during the first five years after planting. The most important thing is a good water supply and perhaps a mulch layerOlder trees require less attention but often benefit from occasional fertilization. It's important that even older trees be watered during periods of persistent heat and drought.

Pruning nut trees

Nut trees have different pruning needs depending on the species:

• Pruning tolerance: Hazelnut bushes are easy to pruning and can be thinned out annually. Walnut trees, on the other hand, are sensitive to pruning—here, pruning is recommended only when necessary and at the right time of year (late summer to early autumn). 
• Purpose of pruning: Promote fruit quality, maintain tree shape, remove diseased or dead branches, direct light inside the crown. 
• Pruning time: Always outside the main sap flow – not in spring when the tree is "bleeding", but rather in late summer or winter (depending on the species). 

Improper pruning can cause long-term damage—if in doubt, prune moderately or consult a professional. Walnut trees generally require little pruning.

In this article you will find basic information on the topic tree pruning.

Do you need to fertilize nut trees?

Nut trees generally grow slowly but steadily, and their nutrient requirements are usually moderate. Nevertheless, targeted fertilization can contribute to maintaining their health and fruit quality: 

• Organic fertilization: Apply compost, bark humus, or horn shavings in spring – they work slowly and improve soil structure. 
• Mineral fertilizer: Only useful in cases of specific deficiency symptoms, e.g., yellowing leaves or low nut production. 
• Use nitrogen sparingly! While too much nitrogen promotes leaf mass, it can negatively impact fruit formation and winter hardiness. 

Fertilizing once a year is usually sufficient. For older trees, a good layer of leaves or grass clippings is often sufficient.

In this article you will find more information about Fertilizing trees.

Water nut trees properly!

Proper watering is one of the most important care measures, especially for young or newly planted nut trees: Here are the most important general watering rules:

• Deep rather than superficial: It is better to water less frequently but thoroughly – this stimulates root formation in depth. 
• In the morning or evening: Do not water in the blazing midday heat – this way less water evaporates.
• A mulch layer of leaves or bark reduces evaporation and keeps the soil cool.

Watering needs according to age: 

• Young trees (1–3 years): Need regular watering, especially in dry summers – ideally 1–2 times per week, 20–40 liters per watering. 
• Established tree (>5 years): Usually sufficiently supplied with groundwater. During long periods of heat, water thoroughly every 10–14 days. 
• During dry periods: Even old trees appreciate being supported – visible through limp leaves or reduced fruit production.

For tree irrigation, the  baumbad watering bags They release water drop by drop into the soil through small holes over a period of several hours. This ensures even soil moisture throughout the entire root zone, allowing the roots to absorb the water easily. Using watering bags actually allows the water to reach the tree. When you use tree watering bags, you can water at any time of day, as the bag covers the soil like a layer of mulch and protects the water from evaporation.