English Walnut tree - worth anything?
Hello,
We have an English Walnut tree in our yard that we are thinking about knocking down. It's quite large - 30-40 ft. high and up to 2 1/2ft. in diameter. So a couple of questions: Is this wood valuable? Have you ever sold your yard tree? If so, how? Is it better to have an arborist do the work or can we do it ourselves, meaning do the cuts make a difference to the potential price? Do you know of a woodworking club,etc that would be interested in purchasing this? Any info./insight appreciated! LC
Sep 17, 2017
Parent Replies
There are a couple of things to consider. The wood does have some value but likely not much and not enough for someone commercial to get involved. You can always ask but residential trees have to be pretty big to be worth risking the nails and other hazards often found in these trees. I have not sold a tree but the couple of times arborists have asked me if I want to harvest a tree they are working on, the deal is that I get the wood for the effort of taking it away. Generally I offer the owner a bowl or something else to remember their tree by. The one owner I talked to that thought this arrangement wasn't to her likely came back to me after everyone else passed on it. I think she would now tell you she is very pleased to have a beautiful walnut bowl. It would floor me if the arborists have either the skill or interest in milling the wood that would make it valuable. The manner it is cut it will absolutely make the difference between firewood and anything useful. The clubs I know of might come pick up pieces after the arborist has cut it down but they aren't going to pay for it.
Good luck
My father in law is in the DiabloValley woodworkers club and they often source cut trees like yours.