Can You Pick Black Walnuts Off The Tree

Yes, you can pick black walnuts off the tree, and doing it at the right time is the key to getting the best nuts for your efforts.
 
If you’ve ever wondered “can you pick black walnuts off the tree” before they hit the ground, the answer is yes, but there’s a bit of nuance involved.
 
Black walnuts are a bit different from the store-bought walnuts you might be used to, and knowing how to handle them makes the whole process a lot easier.
 
In this post, we’ll cover when and how you can pick black walnuts off the tree, why timing matters so much, and what to do once you’ve gathered them.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Can You Pick Black Walnuts Off the Tree?

Yes, you can pick black walnuts off the tree, but the timing and method really matter if you want good results.
 
When you pick black walnuts off the tree, you’re harvesting them while they’re still encased in their thick, green hulls.
 
The tricky part is that black walnuts aren’t fully ripe until that hull starts to soften and turn yellowish-green.
 
If you pick them too early, the nutmeat inside won’t be fully developed, and you’ll end up disappointed.
 
So while you can pick black walnuts off the tree, you want to wait until they’re close to falling on their own.
 

1. Timing Is Everything When You Pick Black Walnuts

The best time to pick black walnuts off the tree is usually late September through October, depending on your climate.
 
At this point, the hulls begin to soften and the nuts start to loosen their grip on the branches.
 
If you can shake the branch and a few nuts fall, that’s a good sign you can pick black walnuts off the tree.
 
Picking them just before they’d naturally drop gives you a head start on the harvest.
 

2. How to Pick Black Walnuts Safely

When you pick black walnuts off the tree, wear gloves because the hulls contain juglone, which stains your hands for weeks.
 
You can use a pole with a hook or just your hands to twist the nuts free from the branches.
 
Be careful not to damage the tree when you pick black walnuts off the tree, since torn branches can invite disease.
 
A gentle twist is usually all it takes to release a ripe nut.
 

3. Why Some People Prefer to Wait

Many folks simply wait for the nuts to fall and then gather them off the ground instead of picking them.
 
That said, you can still pick black walnuts off the tree if you’re worried about squirrels beating you to them.
 
Squirrels love black walnuts and will strip a tree fast, so picking early can help you get your share.
 
Just remember that nuts picked early may need extra time to cure before they’re ready to eat.
 

What to Do After You Pick Black Walnuts

Once you pick black walnuts off the tree, the real work begins.
 

1. Remove the Hulls Quickly

After you pick black walnuts off the tree, you need to remove the green hulls before they rot.
 
You can do this by stomping on them with boots, using a hammer, or running them through a corn sheller.
 
The hulls will stain everything they touch, so work on a hard surface like concrete.
 

2. Wash and Cure the Nuts

Once the hulls are off, rinse the nuts thoroughly with a hose to remove any leftover bits.
 
Then spread them out in a single layer somewhere dry and well-ventilated.
 
Curing takes two to four weeks, and this step is crucial whether you pick black walnuts off the tree or gather them from the ground.
 

3. Store Them Properly

After curing, store your black walnuts in a cool, dry place in mesh bags or boxes.
 
Proper storage keeps them fresh for months, so all that effort you put in when you pick black walnuts off the tree pays off.
 

Tips for Picking Black Walnuts Off the Tree

Here are a few extra pointers to keep in mind.
 

1. Watch Out for Stains

The hulls of black walnuts contain a dark juice that stains skin, clothing, and anything else it touches.
 
Wear old clothes and gloves whenever you pick black walnuts off the tree.
 

2. Keep Them Away From Pets

Black walnuts can be toxic to dogs and horses, so keep them out of reach.
 
If you pick black walnuts off the tree, store them where your pets can’t get to them.
 

3. Don’t Compost the Hulls

The hulls contain juglone, which can harm other plants, so don’t toss them in your compost pile.
 
After you pick black walnuts off the tree, dispose of the hulls separately.
 

So, Can You Pick Black Walnuts Off the Tree?

Yes, you can pick black walnuts off the tree, and it’s a smart move if you want to beat the squirrels to your harvest.
 
Just wait until the hulls start to soften, wear gloves, and cure the nuts properly once you’ve gathered them.
 
Whether you pick black walnuts off the tree or collect them from the ground, the reward is a stash of rich, flavorful nuts you grew right in your own backyard.
 
Happy harvesting.