Black Walnut Tree Value

[IFH]

My neighbour has a Black Walnut tree it's next to my property and wants to take it down. He was wondering if the wood has any value as lumber. Its about 18 inches in diameter.

[Marker]

I had one removed, the arborist did it for free in exchange for the wood, was about 30" diameter.

[rick_iles]

I would have someone who knows trees, check it out. If it’s veneer quality, it will be worth much more.

[cramadog2]

You might have a hard time with finding someone who wants it for lumber if it's a yard tree because of the possibility of hardware in it.

[adolan]

I'm an arborist who preforms tree removal as well as pricing all kinds of work on trees. They would likely be paying to get the tree taken down. I've been doing tree work for 13+ years and we have sold a few logs but they are rarely worth much. There is a market for that type of wood but I haven't found it. And yes most mills won't touch an urban tree. Custom mill guys go after the urban market but I couldn't tell you if there is money to be had. 18" will yield some lumber but is it a nice straight log? 12+ ft of straight trunk? Can the tree be felled in full length without damage to the log in question? Best advice is to tell your neighbour to call a few tree companies in the area and talk to them

[oaknut]

I agree with adolan.
The guys that will do the work simply for one log are most likely going to be fly by night guys.

Considering that liability insurance for tree removal is insanely expensive anyone who will take down a tree for $150 worth of wood is not going to be insured.

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[gbk]

I was a bit curious about this thread-once i had 2 great Black Walnut trees removed by a reputable company. Both were like 15-18 inch DIA .Straight at least 12 feet for sure.
I was told-the lumber is not worth anything.They cut them down,chopped up the length of the largest DIA part of the trunk into 12-15 inches,and one of them took them home as firewood. The rest was mulched.

[Gilroy]

I was a bit curious about this thread-once i had 2 great Black Walnut trees removed by a reputable company. Both were like 15-18 inch DIA .Straight at least 12 feet for sure.
I was told-the lumber is not worth anything.They cut them down,chopped up the length of the largest DIA part of the trunk into 12-15 inches,and one of them took them home as firewood. The rest was mulched.

Could it be that you had some arborist who did not know the tree species he cut down or did not care, to much bother to find out.

[GuyJR]

15”-18” is hardly worth taking away and sawing. Especially city trees which might have something hiding that’s going to damage a saw blade.