How to Grow Filbert Tree Nuts in North Carolina

Grow filbert trees in full sun or partial shade, in most soil types except heavy clay, marsh or very shallow soil. Highest nut production is on full-sun sites in moist, well-drained, loam soil. Clear the soil of vegetation within a 2 to 3 feet radius of tree trunks.

Space filbert trees 15 to 20 feet apart if growing for nut production. Filberts tolerate spacing as close as 3 feet apart, but close spacing reduces nut yields.

Water filbert trees in periods of extended drought. Spread a 2-inch organic matter mulch around tree bases, avoiding the trunk, to help retain moisture.

Apply a 15-5-20 fertilizer to established trees in early fall at a rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet, or according to the manufacturer's instructions. Wait one year after planting before fertilizing young filbert trees. Spread around the drip line of the tree and water in thoroughly.

Check trees every winter and summer for signs of eastern filbert blight. Symptoms include dead twigs and branches, dead leaves that don't fall, black raised spots on bark and football-shaped cankers. Prune out infected areas 24 to 36 inches below the edge of the lowest canker. Other pests and diseases rarely cause serious damage.

Check for suckers growing from the base of filbert trees in fall and cut them off with pruning shears, removing suckers as close to the ground as possible. To restrict tree growth, remove 15 to 20 percent of old wood in early spring, cutting branches off where they join the trunk, evenly spaced around the tree. For improved nut production prune up to 50 percent of shoots, removing thin and strongly growing shoots first, in early spring.

Cover young trees and filberts restricted to shrub size in burlap or fleece if snow or frost is forecast, to protect catkins and developing nuts.