Planting near a black walnut tree

[waskawood]

I am cutting down a black walnut tree that is about 6 inches in diameter. It was never destined to be a nice tree. I want to plant a flowering crab about 10 feet away from where the old walnut was. I have heard that this may kiil my new flowering crab. Can anyone tell me how much of the old roots I need to remove or how far away I need to stay? Thanks for any help.

[south_metro_fish]

I am not positive how you would go about it but I would not assume the roots would have anything to do with it. Walnuts are very acidic and will leave residual acidity in the ground making it hard for nonacid loving plants to grow. Since you are getting rid of the tree there wont be any more acidity being added to the soil unless you have more walnut trees near by or pine trees. About the only thing I can think to do to make the spot more livable for your tree is to get a soil testing kit and find out how acidic the soil is and then find something that is a base to neutralize the soil to a ph that the tree will grow in. Also pay attention to what ph the tree likes and find one that will match the ph you have. Also I would talk to a knowledgeable person at your local nursery for advise and help on what to do.

[waskawood]

Local nurseries out here in the sticks aren't very helpful.

[Dotch]

waskawood,

Check this out:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h407blkwal-tox.html

http://gardening.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=gardening&cdn=homegarden&tm=27&gps=557_1256_968_549&f=10&tt=13&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/iac/greentip/blackwal.htm

Hmmm...for some reason it won't hyperlink this last one but if you cut and paste it into your browser, it gives a fairly comprehensive list of plants that are susceptible and resistant.

Hope it helps.

[waskawood]

Hyperlink worked great and I thank you very much for the great news. I appreciate it Dotch!!!