I love the idea of several acres of black walnut trees planted as a long-term investment and hobby. I live in the fertile Yakima Valley in Washington State, and I know of some very large black walnut trees in the area that really seem to have thrived. I have about 10 bare acres of former apple/prune orchards. The soil seems of good quality, but is fairly rocky. I haven't yet tested pH or nutrients. Our zoning is 6B. I have irrigation, but am at the end of the canal, so sometimes water isn't available without a fight. I'm a pup in the woods. Are Black Walnuts somewhat drought resistant? What other considerations should I be looking at?

Hi Pat:

I would strongly encourage you to contact my Extension forestry colleagues at Washington State University to advise you on planting hardwoods in a state that is predominantly populated with conifers.

WSU Extension Forestry: http://forestry.wsu.edu

'>http://forestry.wsu.edu">http://forestry.wsu.edu