Growth Requirements Growth RequirementsMost nut species grow more readily on loamy or even sandy soils than they do on heavy clay soils. They also prefer well-drained soils, but pecans can tolerate heavy bottom soils that flood occasionally. All species are unfavorably affected by shallow soils that have hardpan or rock layers in the upper 4 feet.
Nut trees prefer slightly acid soils, but walnuts also do well in neutral soils.
Site is an important factor in tree growth and hardiness. Most nut trees, even if they grow well, will have reduced crops on low sites where frost usually comes later in the spring and earlier in the fall. Excessively windy sites can both shorten and distort top growth and may result in premature shaking off of many nut fruits. Windbreaks, like tall trees or buildings that shelter a tree from the prevailing winds, tend to increase tree hardiness and productivity. Towns generally provide a warmer microclimate, and it may be possible to grow a species or variety in town that would fail in rural areas in the same county.
Nut trees (except filberts) will become large trees, requiring considerable space. Some growers prefer to plant trees close together to obtain more early production and then remove the "filler" trees as the planting becomes crowded. Close spacing may pose problems if the grower doesn't remove the filler trees early enough to allow the permanent trees to develop a desirable structure. Filler trees should be removed before the branches of adjoining trees meet. The following list suggests the spacing for permanent trees (filler trees may be added temporarily):
* Chestnut (Chinese), 40 ft. X 50 ft.
* Filbert, 15 ft. X 15 ft.
* Trazels, 15 ft. x 15 ft.
* Filazel, 15 ft. x 15 ft.
* Hican, 50 ft. X 50 ft.
* Hickory, 50 it. X 50 ft.
* Pecan, 50 ft. X 50 ft.
* Walnut, black, 50 ft. X 50 ft.
* Walnut (Persian, Hardy, English, and Carpathian), 35 ft. X 35 ft.
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