I'm looking to plant about 2,500-3,500 black walnuts on a 10 acre plot in Eastern Oklahoma. The soil is sandy loam, and it used to be a peanut farm a few decades ago. It is currently covered in Johnson grass, with no shrubs or trees on site.

First of all, how should I prepare the site for planting? Should I use herbicide, or should I burn the grass? And how long should I wait to plant after using one of these methods?

Next, when is the best time of year to plant the trees. Is it different if I do bare root or potted saplings? Is it a different time if I start with seedlings?

I don't know the pH of the soil yet, but I know there is 5-6 feet of good soil above the bedrock. Several huge black walnuts grow naturally on the surrounding properties.

Thanks for your help!

Hi Taylor:

I'm going to refer you to your local state forestry experts in Oklahoma as you don't need an Illinois forester telling you how/when to plant black walnut trees in a state I've never even travelled to :-)

Oklahoma Forestry Services: http://www.forestry.ok.gov

Oh, and definitely kill-off the Johnsongrass (Rx burning and herbicides) prior to planting your trees!

Best of luck!