Lessons from a Killer Tree
Over the years I have talked with many frustrated gardeners about the problems they are having with tomato plants. “I just don’t understand it,” they would say, “The plants receive 6-8 hours of sunlight every day. I water thoroughly and fertilizer regularly. There are no insects or signs of disease. What can be wrong?” My next question to them often finds the answer. I ask them, “Is there a Walnut tree nearby?” There is more than the obvious competition for water, light and nutrients that Walnut trees cause. It is a compound called juglone.
Juglone is produced in the leaves, fruit, and branches of Walnut trees. It is also excreted from the root systems to the soil. Symptoms of juglone injury include leaves that are yellow and wilting. The result is the eventual death of the plant.
All species of the walnut family, (Juglandaceae) produce juglone. This would include many native trees such as black walnut, butternut, the hickories and pecan. Black walnuts have the highest concentrations. Gardeners with trees in the walnut family should locate their gardens 50-100 feet or more from the tree.
I see a resemblance in our Christian walk and this lesson from nature. 1Corinthians 15:33 says, “Don’t fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you.” Walnut trees provide wonderful shade for our homes and a source of food and shelter for wild life. But they prove to be deadly to our gardens. So too can our human relationships. Many years ago my husband and I kept company with people filled with bitterness, envy, and jealousy. Some were in our work place, others we chose to fellowship with. Human nature is similar to that of a chameleon. We adapt ourselves to our surroundings without even realizing it. Unfortunately, we found ourselves on a dark, lonely road. Honestly, it nearly destroyed our family. For the sake of space I won’t go into all the details here.
The Lord did not deliver us overnight from that place in our life. But, I can honestly say that I am glad He didn’t. We needed to fall on our face before God and allow Him to reveal to us what we had become. We removed ourselves from those people, and repented. Years passed and God graciously restored us. He has given us new friends that sharpen us and encourage us in the Word. He has given my husband his dream job. He allows me the privilege to write to you today.
Where are you at today? What are you facing? Are you like the tomato plant that has all the right elements in place yet you are not spiritually thriving? Is there a walnut tree in your life you need to separate from? Only God can show you that. He will; but not until you ask Him to. He is patiently waiting. He loves you no matter what. It is never too late to start again. Trust Him, be patient with yourself because He is patient with you. The journey may be long. But in the end is a wonderful harvest.
“Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous.” (Proverbs 2:20)