Early Years

• The first 5 to 6 years of the black walnut tree's life is spent developing a strong root system. The focus is on training the tree to create a strong central trunk with spreading branches to bear large crops in later years.
  
  

Crop Production

• The tree starts producing big crops of walnuts after about 10 years of growth. To produce good crops, the tree must self-pollinate or cross-pollinate with another walnut tree. The trees require pruning every 2 to 3 years after they start bearing bigger crops of nuts. Thinning the shoots in the tops of the trees helps the tree keep producing.
  
  

Yield

• Once mature, a black walnut tree can produce up to 100 lbs. of nuts in some regions. Production of this amount requires controlled watering and a fertilization plan. Various cultivars, as well as the water, soil type and frost, affect yields from year to year.