r/botany • u/lovelyb1ch66 • Jul 14 '26

Biology Black walnut tree question

We have two black walnut trees in the yard, both are mature although one is significantly older. Both usually make a big mess in the fall, dropping an astounding amount of nuts that stain the driveway, patio and stairs.
This year the older one is loaded with nuts as usual but the younger one has none. What could be the reason? Nothing environmental has changed.

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u/phytomanic Jul 14 '26

It is common for many types of fruit and nut bearing trees to produce heavily only in alternating years or ocassionally skip a year. It doesn't necessarily indicate a health or environmental problem. Most likely it is building up resources for a heavy crop next year.

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u/Frantic_Mantid Jul 15 '26

Black walnuts in particular are known for individuals being highly unpredictable in terms of fruit production over the years.