Black Walnut Management: Lumber Value vs. Nut Uses

Two black walnuts near street: Assess lumber value before removal. Contact state forester for buyer connections. Nuts have multiple uses if you keep trees.

Lumber Potential

• Large, accessible trees = veneer/log value
• State forester helps find buyers, ensures fair price
• Urban trees often have metal/hardware—reduces value

Nut Utilization

• Food: Kernels for baking, eating (difficult extraction)
• Dye: Hulls make brown/black natural dye
• Cleaning: Shells = abrasive blasting media
• Wildlife: Squirrels, birds depend on mast

Decision Framework

• If hazardous/structural conflict: Remove, sell logs
• If space allows: Keep for nuts, wildlife, shade
• Juglone toxicity: Limits understory plants (tomatoes, etc.)

Nut processing guide here. State forester evaluates both timber and retention value.