Still, filberts should not be planted in frost pockets or similar areas as they might sustain frost or freeze injury to wood tissue. Older groves in Oregon were typically set at 22'x22'. Newer plantings are at 18'x20' or 18'xl8' for permanent spacings or at l0'x20' with every other tree planned for removal at age 10 to 15. In the older plantings, usually every third tree in every third row is a pollinator. In the newer, higher density plantings, fewer pollinators would be needed.
Filberts usually begin to produce nuts by the third year after planting.
Typically, commercial production should begin by the sixth year. By increasing the planting density, however, harvesting should become economical in the fourth or fifth year. Yields from a mature orchard range from 1000 to 4000 lb. per acre, depending on the cultivar, soil condition, and cultural care. Aside from the very debilitating to lethal EFB, there are few pests that should bother filberts in the Midwest. Leaf rollers, rose chafers, gypsy moth larvae, plum or peach borers, and possibly the hickory weevil might need to be controlled.