Chandler Walnut Tree

Tree Characteristics

Tree height: Chandler walnut trees are known for their moderately vigorous growth habit and well-structured canopy. At maturity, these trees typically reach a height of 9 to 12 meters. The canopy structure of Chandler walnuts is particularly favorable for commercial production. They exhibit a semi-upright growth habit with good branch angles. This natural architecture reduces the risk of branch breakage under heavy nut loads and makes pruning and harvesting easier.

Spacing: When planning a Chandler walnut orchard, spacing is a critical consideration. Chandler can be planted with high-density planting systems, with spacing 4.5 x 7 m, allowing for up to 280 trees per hectare. Thanks to high-density planting you can significantly increase early yields and get very high economic performance starting from the early years of the orchard.

Yield and Profitability

Yield means how much fruits or nuts a tree produces in a year. Chandler walnut trees are renowned for their high yield, which is one of the key reasons for their popularity among commercial growers. Chandler walnut trees begin producing walnuts within the first years of planting. The yield increases every year, as the orchard matures.

In 3-4 years after planting, growers can expect to sell their first commercial crop, usually yielding about 1 ton per hectare. This early production is one of the advantages of the Chandler variety, contributing to a quicker return on investment compared to some other walnut cultivars.

As the trees continue to mature, yields increase very quickly. In years 5-7, production typically ranges from 2 to 3 tons per hectare. By year 10 and beyond, the orchard enters full production, with yields potentially reaching 10 tons per hectare under optimal conditions, if orchard is managed in an excellent way.

Chandler has a relatively late harvest time, usually in late September to early October. This is about 2-3 weeks later than other widely grown cultivars. The late harvest allows growers to extend their season and sell their walnuts for higher prices, as the market is less saturated with walnuts at that time. Late harvesting also reduces the risk of rain damage to the nuts, as rainfall becomes more likely in the fall in many walnut-growing regions.

Factors Affecting Productivity

Several factors affect the productivity of Chandler walnuts. Pollination is an important factor. Since Chandler’s male and female flowers bloom at different times, it requires a pollinator variety to reach maximum productivity. We recommended it to be planted with Franquette variety, typically comprising 5% of the orchard.

Nutrition management is another critical factor affecting yield. Mature Chandler walnut trees typically require 150-200 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare every year.

Proper pruning in the first 2 years is very important for maximizing long-term yield potential. In the early years, a central leader system is used to establish the basic tree structure. After the first couple of years, the trees usually don’t need any pruning, and it can only be done to cut branches that are blocking the tractor movement.

Cold and Frost Resistance

Chandler's late leafing and harvesting characteristics provide significant benefits for walnut growers. It begins leafing out later than other walnut cultivars. This delayed leafing helps Chandler avoid damage from late spring frosts.

Another significant advantage of the Chandler cultivar is its resistance to cold temperatures and frost damage thanks to its late leafing habit. By delaying bud break and leaf emergence, Chandler avoids exposure to many late season frosts. This is particularly valuable in regions prone to spring frost.

Chandler also has a good cold tolerance. Studies have shown that Chandler can withstand lower winter temperatures than some other popular cultivars like Hartley and Serr. This cold hardiness contributes to Chandler's suitability for a wider range of growing regions, including those with colder winters.

Growing Chandler Walnut Trees in Europe

While originally developed in California, Chandler has shown remarkable adaptability to Europe's diverse climate. The map below showcases the USDA hardiness zones across Europe, which are based on average annual minimum winter temperatures. Chandler walnuts, known for their adaptability, can thrive in a wide range of these zones, specifically zones 5 through 9.

France: The potential for Chandler walnut orchards extends across France's varied landscape. The Rhône-Alpes region, particularly the Isère department, is famous for walnut cultivation, but opportunities exist from the Mediterranean coast to the northern plains, and from the Atlantic regions to the eastern borders.

Romania: The diverse landscape of Romania provides opportunities for Chandler walnut orchards nationwide. While regions in Vâlcea and Gorj counties are notable for walnut cultivation, potential exists in the lower Carpathian foothills, the Danube plains, and many parts of Transylvania.

Croatia: Chandler walnut cultivation presents opportunities throughout Croatia. From the continental regions of Slavonia and Central Croatia to the coastal areas of Istria and Dalmatia, the country's diverse climate zones offer various possibilities for walnut orchards, with each region requiring tailored approaches.

Spain: Chandler walnut cultivation holds potential throughout Spain. While regions like Extremadura and Andalusia are renowned for walnut production, opportunities exist from the sun-drenched southern coasts to the cooler northern regions. Spain's diverse climate offers possibilities for walnut orchards nationwide, with proper management techniques.

Germany: Chandler walnut cultivation holds potential across Germany's diverse regions. Areas like the Upper Rhine Plain are known for nut production, with opportunities existing in many of the country's lower-lying areas and river valleys.

Austria: The landscape of Austria provides varied opportunities for Chandler walnut orchards. Traditional walnut-growing areas in Lower Austria and Styria offer prime conditions, but potential exists across the country.

Hungary: Chandler walnut cultivation is possible throughout Hungary, building on the country's strong walnut-growing tradition. Regions like Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county are known for walnut production, but the country's relatively uniform terrain offers consistent conditions nationwide.

Slovakia: The potential for Chandler walnut orchards extends across Slovakia. While traditional walnut-growing areas exist in the southern regions,all of Croatia provides diverse opportunities for growers to explore Chandler walnut cultivation nationwide.

Belgium: Despite its cooler climate, Belgium offers possibilities for Chandler walnut cultivation. From Flanders to Wallonia, innovative Belgian growers are exploring walnut production, adapting techniques to local conditions and leveraging the country's rich agricultural expertise.

Bulgaria: Chandler walnut cultivation holds promise throughout Bulgaria. The Struma Valley is particularly known for walnut production, but the country's varied topography offers diverse sites for walnut orchards across the nation.

United Kingdom: Chandler walnut cultivation is an emerging opportunity across the UK. Southern England, particularly counties like Kent and Sussex, show promise, but growers are adapting Chandler walnuts to local conditions from the southern counties of England to Scotland, and including Wales and Northern Ireland.

Netherlands: Despite its cooler climate, the Netherlands offers potential for Chandler walnut cultivation nationwide. While not traditionally a major walnut producer, Dutch growers from coastal areas to inland regions are innovating with protection methods and site selection, exploring opportunities in various provinces.

Italy: The potential for Chandler walnut orchards spans the entire Italian peninsula and its islands. The Po Valley in Northern Italy is a prime walnut-growing area, but suitable conditions exist from the Alpine foothills to Sicily. With appropriate site selection and care, growers in all regions can explore Chandler walnut production.

Portugal: From the Algarve to the Douro Valley, Portugal offers diverse environments for Chandler walnut cultivation. The Beira Alta region is particularly noted for walnut production, but coastal areas, river valleys, and other inland regions all present opportunities for walnut orchards.

Greece: Chandler walnuts can thrive across Greece, from the mainland to its many islands. While Northern Greece, particularly regions like Thessaly, is known for walnut production, the country's diverse topography creates opportunities throughout the nation.

How to Buy Chandler Walnut Trees in Europe

At Waltree Nursery Europe, located in Bulgaria, we make it easy for European growers to buy high-quality Chandler walnut trees. As an EU-based nursery located in Bulgaria, we offer a seamless purchasing experience without the hassle of customs procedures.

Every tree comes with an EU-issued phytosanitary certificate, ensuring the highest standards of plant health. We provide convenient delivery options to all EU countries, organizing transport via van or truck depending on your order size.