Growing walnut trees for timber is one of the few economic hardwood forest crops in the UK. A rotation of about 50-60 years should be possible using the latest highbred stocks on the right site.

Compared to the best oak, walnut is currently worth four times the value and grows in just half the time.

Land agents and forestry experts have been reluctant to plant walnut due to its reputation of being difficult to establish, prone to frost damage and often of poor form. However our modern improved hybrid stocks have transformed walnut growing. This is borne out by the number of UK estates who have purchased hybrid varieties through The Walnut Tree Company over recent years. For the future, the walnut is thought to be one of the few forest tree species that will benefit from a warmer climate.

Common or English walnut (Juglans Regia) are often prone to frost damage and poor form. We supply late leafing provenances which should avoid late frosts. Pure black walnut (Juglans Nigra) requires better soil conditions, well drained but moist disliking heavy clay soils. French research has improved common walnut resulting in better form and growth rate. This variety is known as Juglans Regia Lozeronne. Walnut hybrids of Juglans Regia with Juglans Nigra and Juglans Major (Arizona walnut) are very vigorous producing a high quality mature timber tree In the U.K. Planting started since 2000 looks very promising. NG23 Hybrid is a cross between J, Nigra and J, Regia, reliable for all round performance. MJ209 is a cross between J, Major and J, Regia, and is more tolerant of less well-drained sites.

The Walnut Tree Company’s trees are typically provided as bare rooted (one or two year old seedlings).

By ordering from us, you can be confident that your trees have been selected for timber growing and are strong, robust plants, ideal for our UK climate.