Applying Ant Bait:
The commercial ant baits available are designed to attract ants that feed on fats, oils and proteins and thus are effective for ant control in nut crops.  The baits will not attract sugar feeding ants, such as the Argentine Ant, which can be a problem when they feed on fresh fruit. We have observed these ants in the Candycot orchard so we are attempting to protect the fruit. We coated the ant bait with powdered sugar before spreading on the orchard floor so it will be attractive to the sugar-loving ants. The baits are slow acting so it will take a few weeks to know if this technique works.

 Walnuts grow is spurts, or "flushes".  These are young Tulares beginning their second growth flush of 2013. Long skinny shoots grow out rapidly for a while, then they stop lengthening and the leaves begin to expand. Tulare tends to be a very vigorous growing variety.

 Glossy green leafs are an indication of a healthy tree. These are fifth leaf trees and they are beginning to fill in the space.  They are also producing the best weed control product available.... shade.

TIPPING
On young trees (these are third leaf trees) it is sometimes necessary to lighten the load of nuts and growth by cutting back the tips of the limbs. This helps prevent limb breakage.  It also removes limbs that hang so low they would be hit by herbicides when weeds are sprayed.                                              

It hurts to see nuts put on the ground, but the quantity is small. Also, it is important to preserve the long term structure of the tree so big crops can be held in the future.