Pruning Walnut Trees

[pinkerton]

When is the best time to prune a walnut tree? I understand that they are liable to bleed at some times of the year.

[Chipchopper]

Yes, what you understand is right Pinkerton, at this time of the year (early spring) the sap is rising and it is indeed likely to bleed and can harm the tree.

In my opinion the optimum time would be when the tree is going into dormancy, Oct - Nov but any time between early autumn to late winter should be okay, as long as its not frosty.

[Buenchico]

From the website of the RHS:
"Regular pruning is unnecessary but, if required, remove dead or crossed branches. Pruning should be undertaken between mid-summer and early autumn as walnuts are prone to 'bleeding' (sap oozing from the pruning cut). Hard pruning is not tolerated".

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=546

[Jackdaw33]

I am reminded of the old rhyme:

A dog, a wife and a walnut tree,
The harder you beat them, they better they be.

[paddywak]

I don't know about the tree but if I'd tried beating Trish or Max it certainly wouldn't have done me a deal of good.

[sophy-stevens]

Walnuts are a species of tree found in the eastern parts of US and they require much sunlight to grow so I believe that late winter time is best time to prune a walnut tree.

[mrs_overall]

I have two and I had the larger one professionally lopped late last summer

[thugulike]

I have a large walnut tree and as it grows so quickly I sometimes have to lop off branches in the summer. It hasn't come to any harm so far. Incidentally I am in the far north of England 600' up and get a huge crop of edible nuts which sees me right through the year