The Problem

• Walnut trees contain a toxin called juglone that kills the majority of other plants placed under or near the walnut tree. Concentrations of the toxin are highest in the roots underneath the canopy of the tree and in the walnut hulls.
  
  

Raised Beds

• One solution to this problem is to separate other plantings from the contaminated soil by building raised beds. These beds must be lined with landscaping plastic to ensure that the toxin does not creep into the fresh soil. Care must also be taken in the fall to remove the hulls from these beds.
  
  

Other Landscaping Features

• Another way to create an attractive landscaped space without removing the walnut tree is to rely of landscape features other than plants. This may be mulch or rock.
  
  

Juglone Tolerant Plants

• For those who have their heart set on adding plants without the work of building a raised bed, there are some plants that are thought to be resistant to juglone. There is no established list, but many university extension offices have compiled lists generated from studies.
  
  

Tree Removal

• Frustrations can run high after dealing with this problem year after year, and many people decide to have the walnut tree removed as a permanent solution. This is the most long-term solution, but be prepared for it to take several years for the roots to die and the juglone to flush from the soil.