Walnut trees can be messy plants to you if you do not like the constant clutter or debris they drop on the ground. And the worst part is their fruit pollen can trigger allergic reactions. And probably that is why you want to prevent the tree from bearing fruit. But how to neuter a walnut tree?
Neutering a walnut tree is possible through growth regulators and timely pruning. And to get into the process with tips that can prevent the neutered tree from dying, go through the sections below.
How to Neuter A Walnut Tree: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Check Walnut Tree’s Health
Step 2: Get a Growth Regulator
Step 3: Choose the Right Period for Application
It takes only a few minutes a day to sterilize a walnut tree. But you need to be cautious enough with the process to make the process a success. So, follow these tips included steps –
Step 1: Check Walnut Tree’s Health
Neutering a walnut tree is only possible if it is in its best condition. So, evaluate the tree and look for symptoms of decay such as root damage, defoliation, and infestation. These issues can deteriorate after sterilizing the tree.
To avoid killing the plant, choose a walnut plant with healthy foliage without any sign of browning or pest. And make sure the soil is not too dry and moist. Only then can you prevent it from producing nuts without damage or root stress.
Step 2: Get a Growth Regulator
Plant growth regulators are chemical substances that can either increase or prevent fruit-bearing in plants. The outcome depends on the way you apply the mix. If applied properly, they reduce allergenic pollen production. So you can breathe properly.
Still, confused about these chemicals? Feel free to watch it then:
It is better to contact the Nut Research Information Center and get a clear idea about the best hormone or growth regulators for walnut trees.
Or else, buy one online or from a local nursery. Before purchasing, make sure to go through the instructions on the bottle or spray. It will prevent you from buying the wrong regulator.
Step 3: Choose the Right Period for Application
When the tree is in full bloom before forming fruits, it gives the best condition for the regulator to work against nut production. So, Summer, Spring, and Fall or late June and late September is the best period for applying the spray.
Also, do not pick a rainy or stormy season to use the hormone chemicals. Otherwise, the mix will wash away soon before it gets to the roots.
Make sure to apply the solution when the temperature is between 60 to 100 degrees F. Sprayed trees during too hot or cold weather are more susceptible to chemical damage.
Step 4: Prepare the Solution
Go through the regulator manufacturer’s instructions to determine the dilution ratio. The solution should not be too diluted or concentrated. So the water and chemicals must follow a measurement.
Generally, 3:2 oz of regulator for 1 gallon of water is enough to spray on 2 trees. Once you mix the solution, transfer it to the garden sprayer. Watch the video tutorial for a general idea:
Step 5: Apply Spray
With the sprayer, spray the solution over the blooms or fruits. If the trees are tall enough, keep the angle shown in the picture below –
Once the flowers are wet in the solution, stop spraying. Or else too many hormone chemicals can dry out the foliage. And you are done! The rest of the work is up to the mix now.
How To Stop Walnut Trees From Producing Nuts Without Chemicals?
If the walnut trees are not in healthy condition, avoid using any growth hormone. But that does not mean you have to deal with a bunch of wanted nuts and debris. It is possible to neuter a walnut tree without a solution with these tips below –
- Once the tree starts producing blooming flowers, prune the flowers blossom before they can produce nuts.
- Trim the branches with buds.
- Avoid planting trees nearby that can attract bees and pests that can encourage walnut pollination.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s):
Are the Growth Hormones Safe to Neuter Walnut Trees?
As long as you dilute the chemicals properly and do not over-spray the trees, it is safe for the roots and branches. But if you do not follow the instructions, they can be harsh to plants.
Why Should You Neuter Trees?
Sterilizing walnut trees reduces the maintenance cost of the plants. You do not have to use heavy machinery to clean the debris and manage the heavy harvesting, which leads to cheaper nurturing.
Do Growth Regulators Really Neuter Walnut Trees?
Yes, if you apply the solution in proper environmental conditions and ratio, it will sterilize the tree. So, you better strictly follow the user manual.
Conclusion
As walnut trees are allergenic, nurturing them requires extra effort. And to minimize the effort, you can neuter it, especially if you do not want to harvest nuts. And I hope this guide on how to neuter a walnut tree can help you out with that. Just make sure to apply the correctly diluted regulator.
For a better result, I’d suggest using a chemical solution instead of pruning.