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Is this Walnut tree a goner?

Design BodDesign Bod Posts: 58
in Problem solving
Planted this Walnut tree last July along with some other soft fruit trees. All the other tress have done well (ok, apart from the Peach leaf curl ... see sep post ) but there's no sign of life from the Walnut. I presume it should have burst into life by now? Also, I've noticed little holes in some of the stems which might be some kind of insect/weevil. Is it a goner? If so, can I dig it up now and plant another apple tree in it's place?

Posts

  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,735
    edited April 2019
    Walnut trees have hollow stems.
    Walnut trees are late coming into leaf.
    It’s not dead until it’s dead.
    Hold your horses.

    Just been out to check my tree. Buds only just beginning to break at the ends of the branches - otherwise apparently dead. But I know it’s not. Wait.
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,490
    I would give it more time too, mine have only recently come into leaf. Most new trees don’t like competition from grass, btw, its usual to keep a good circle of space, up to 1m diameter around, clear of grass etc...
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 23,155
    Walnuts are always the last here, Dordogne, to come into leaf.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,849
    We have 2 100yr old walnuts and a baby of just 30 years on our plot in the warm, sunny Vendée with mild winters.  No leaves yet.  Not even much sign of buds getting fat.

    Patience.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • Design BodDesign Bod Posts: 58
    Many thanks everyone, good to know there might still be a chance!

    @nollie can't persuade hubby on the 1m moat around all the trees, despite relaying all the benefits. Have managed to get about 40/50cm around and even then our thuggish grass creeps in so needs constant tidying. There are daffs in the 'moat' too which may not have been the best idea in hindsight!!
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,849
    The daffs will be fine but do keep working away at clearing the grass from around trees as it takes nutrients all year.  Replace with chipped bark to keep it neat, reduce moisture end reduce weeds.  That may appeal more to your OH than bare soil.   Also, after spending the money on trees and the time to plant them it's worth nurturing them to ensure success rather than risking their health for a bit of grass.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,490
    5cm increments? OH won’t notice at first  ;)
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • Design BodDesign Bod Posts: 58
    edited April 2019
    @obelixx - you're quite right!

    @nollie - I like your thinking, that could be the way!  :D

  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,721
    That tree has lovely looking buds on it, it'll get there, as others say patience!

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