I have a sizeable, mature black walnut tree that has become decadent in its old age. The crown is sparse and I fear that this tree has only several years left. I would love for the prized wood to be used as lumber rather than consumed as firewood or utilized as mulch.

I wanted to know if this particular black walnut tree has any timber value and how does an older lady like me go about finding out who is willing to purchase it?

Wow, this is an EXTREMELY popular question, both within and outside the state of Illinois!

So, “Is my yard tree worth anything and how does one go about selling their yard tree(s)?” The first thing I always ask people is why do they want to remove and sell their yard tree. Is it because the tree is a liability or hazard? Is your tree declining in vigor or unsightly? Is it interfering with your house, deck, patio, driveway, grass, view, fence, neighbor, septic system, sewer, etc.? I am quick to remind people that most yard trees often add significant value to an individual property – especially to homes situated in urban neighborhoods. Therefore, please think twice before taking a chainsaw to your mature yard tree(s).

“So, is my black walnut yard tree worth anything?” Well, that is indeed the million-dollar question! The honest truth: it depends! In reality, here is what every homeowner needs to understand about his or her yard tree, regardless if it is a black walnut, oak, black cherry, hickory, or sugar maple:

First, no one is going to pay a homeowner to physically remove one of your yard trees! The physical act of removing a yard tree is a “service” provided by a certified arborist. A service requires payment, i.e., you pay a certified arborist to remove your yard tree, not the other way around! The vast majority of yard tree removal jobs (i.e., the cost of removing a yard tree) generally, but not always, exceeds the value of the potential sawlog that can be utilized from the removed tree. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule -- but those exceptions are uncommon is most areas.

Secondly, certified arborists are in the business of tree removal and tree care – they are not loggers, nor are they in the business of buying yard trees from homeowners.

Similarly, loggers are in the timber business and they buy standing timber from woodland owners –- they are not certified arborists, nor are they in the business of buying or removing yard trees from homeowners.

Finally, can you market the merchantable sawlog portion of your yard tree after the certified arborist has taken it down? Possibly – if the main stem has value as a slab or sawlog for making conference tables, executive desks, flooring, or gunstocks. This task will require some significant effort on you part, as you will need to find and locate a willing buyer.

Some options: (1) Contact a custom portable sawmill operator; (2) Contact a local woodworker who specializes in high-end or niche markets; (3) Market the tree to a local woodworkers club; or (4) Place an advertisement in your local newspaper or Craigslist.

Illinois Custom Sawmill Directory: http://www.illinoisurbanwood.org/documents/ILCustomSawmillsDirectory2011.pdf

I have TWO black walnut trees in my yard that need to be cut down cause they are too close to the house. I need someone who will remove them and, as I am a senior citizen and on a fixed budget, I would hope to receive some money for them as I have concrete and electrical work needed to be done and it would help with the costs. Thank you and a free estimate would be nice.

Hi JoAnne:

Please refer to my post above and/or please contact a state forestry representative in your home state of Ohio:

http://forestry.ohiodnr.gov/serviceforesters

Sorry to be redundant but I purchased a home built in 2007, 25 years ago. * saw a picture of the tree many years before that and it was gigantic then. It's very strange as there are six trunks that are all connected. It's very close to the house & I believe I want it removed.

Besides the danger to the house, all the leaves, nuts and nuts, something seems to be dropping off the tree 4 times a year, I'm tired of the squirrels, crows and yes, rats hanging out at my place.

I already started taking bids but during the holidays I was at my nephews and saw a beautiful Black Walnut Tree table he had purchased. It's very raw looking and quite unique.

Can you give me some advice -- I was thinking of contacting the store where he got it.

Hi Mary:

Turning a walnut yard tree into a piece of fine furniture is an excellent idea!

Make sure to inform whomever takes down your tree to ensure you leave the main stem of the tree intact as a potential sawlog for use as lumber. You might even be able to negotiate with the woodworker whom you commission to make your table for the extra lumber from your walnut tree.

People do pay to remove walnut trees. Got paid 15,000$ For them to take 12 giant walnut trees. Just wanted you to know the facts.

Hi Josh:

Yes, this would be one of those rare(r) exceptions of having something (i.e., 12 giant black walnut yard trees) that someone was willing to purchase for walnut lumber / slabs. Remember, the stars have to align perfectly for someone to pay a homeowner to remove their standing yard trees as most yard tree removal jobs require a lot of technical expertise and expensive equipment (cranes). Sounds like you had the perfect scenario of a very large yard, high quality trees, and easy removal options.