---

FNR-93

Marketing and Utilization

Cooperative Extension Service

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN 47907

Black walnut is one of the most prized timber trees on the North American continent. Because of the wood's unique dark color and finishing characteristics, it has been used in fine furniture since early colonial times. Mature, sound, high quality walnut trees growing on woodlots command a premium price. The value of these exceptional trees is frequently publicized, and the public is sometimes led to believe that all walnut trees are valuable. However, when homeowners attempt to market walnut shade trees and cannot find a buyer, frustration and disappointment frequently result.

There are several reasons why lumbermen are usually not interested in purchasing shade trees of any species, including black walnut. This publication explains some of these reasons and offers suggestions to follow when sale of a shade tree is possible.

Hazards of Civilization

Shade trees are frequently subjected to the hazards of civilization. Sooner or later, they are used to post signs or to support wire fences or clotheslines (Fig. 1). Trees are sometimes used as utility poles and have insulators attached to them. For many people, tree branches are convenient places to hang relics such as old horseshoes and other scrap iron. As the trees age, however, they will slowly grow over many of these objects (Fig. 2). Without special equipment, it is virtually impossible to detect objects buried deep within a tree trunk.

Figure 1.Typical walnut shade tree which cannot be marketed for lumber and veneer. Note the short stem or bole and the potential for wire since the tree appears to be in a fence row.

Figure 2. Trees frequently overgrow wire and other objects attached to them.

If a metal object or insulator is struck by a large headsaw used in modern sawmills, the results can be disastrous (Fig. 3). In some situations, the entire saw can be destroyed, and the cost of replacement for a circle saw is at least $1,400. In less serious cases, where the saw hits small nails or wire, only two to four teeth may be destroyed. However, the entire set of teeth may then require replacement, and, including down time, this can easily cost the sawmill as much as $100. In addition, the entire log will probably be discarded for fear of more problems. If the log is processed in a veneer mill and a slicing knife is destroyed, costs may exceed $1,200.

Figure 3. Overgrown scrap metal struck by headsaw. Large headsaws can shatter as they strike hard objects, posing a threat to sawmill employees. (Credit: U.S. Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.)

Economic Considerations

In timber harvesting, large volumes of logs are generally sold and cut at one time. For example, in Indiana, a timber sale with 20,000 board feet or less is relatively small and frequently brings less money per unit volume than a larger sale. Consider that a tree 16 inches in diameter at 4- 1/2 feet above the ground with a l6 foot merchantable sawlog contains only 72 board feet. To cut, load, and transport sawlogs, a front-end loader and a flat bed or standard log truck are required. Costs for this equipment may exceed $50,000. Expensive equipment and labor cannot be concentrated on the removal of one or a few shade trees when much larger quantities can be harvested at the same time in commercial forest conditions.

Even if shade trees could be economically harvested and utilized, the resulting lumber or veneer is often of poor quality. Shade trees are open grown. As a result, they branch profusely, and only the short trunks are available for producing lumber. In addition, shade trees are often improperly pruned by the owner or are damaged by lawnmowers, cars, etc. These wounds are subject to decay, stain, and insect attack. Butt rot usually results either at the tree's base or around cut limbs, and this detracts from the tree's lumber value.

Shade trees can be difficult to cut down. Potential damage to buildings, powerlines, and valuable ornamentals must be considered. If heavy equipment is brought onto the site to remove the log, care must be exercised to avoid crushing septic tanks and drain fields, underground pipes, and thin concrete or asphalt driveways. Deep ruts can also be cut into a prized yard, even under relatively dry conditions.

When a Sale Is Possible

Selling a shade tree for lumber or veneer is sometimes possible, especially with walnut trees. Usually the tree is bought by a timber buyer and then is mixed with logs from commercial woodlands. These logs are then sold to a sawmill or veneer mill. If the logs do contain any hidden foreign objects, then the mill equipment may be damaged.

Small, portable sawmills have recently become relatively common in Indiana. These mills are often used to produce small quantities of lumber for specialized uses. With some equipment types, the sawblade itself is even disposable. Owners of these types of equipment are more likely to be interested in small quantities of timber which could produce potentially valuable lumber.

Remember, shade trees are never worth as much as commercial forest trees. Make sure you know exactly how much you are to receive, and collect it before the tree is cut. Determine what will happen to the tree top and stump. Usually their removal is not part of commercial timber harvesting. Make sure that the people who cut your trees are insured. The insurance should cover any property damage and liability if someone is hurt.

Removing Unwanted Trees

If your tree cannot be sold and you still want someone to cut and remove it, consult the yellow pages of the telephone directory. Tree removal companies are usually listed under the headings "Trees," "Tree Surgeon," or "Tree Service." Again, make sure anyone cutting trees on your property is adequately insured. Park and maintenance departments may also be helpful in locating qualified tree removal companies. If the tree is near an overhead utility line, notify the company. In some cases, they may want to remove the tree to prevent damage to the lines.

Summary

If you have shade trees on your property, even valuable species like black walnut, the trees may not be marketable. Possible hidden defects or foreign objects, excessive equipment and labor costs, and location or condition of the tree may make removal of the tree unprofitable to the lumberman. However, unwanted shade trees may be removed by tree removal companies and, in some cases, by utility companies.