I have a black walnut tree at least 70 feet tall which needs to be cut down. Too close to the house. I have a professional arborist quote of $550.00 to cut the tree to the ground. Is there any interest in the wood? I am interested in someone paying the arborist to cut it down and paying me $450.00 for the wood.

Greetings Bill:

There is always interest in black walnut timber; however, you need to determine the potential quality and quantity of useable wood in this tree. Just because you have a black walnut tree, it does not necessarily mean the tree has any significant value as a marketable forest product.

Like I always tell people, your black walnut yard tree may be worth $200, $500, $1000+; or it might worth the value of firewood. Heck, more than likely you are going to have to pay someone to take the tree down if that is indeed necessary (as you’ve already indicated). If you are attempting to offset the cost of tree removal, then you need to know how to “market” this individual tree as a valuable timber tree.

However, is your tree even considered a potential lumber or veneer tree? Despite the fact your black walnut tree is 70-ft tall, does it have the diameter, volume, straight merchantable log length, and internal/external attributes of a potential lumber or veneer tree? Could the useable portions of the tree be used for gunstocks or woodworking – maybe, maybe not?

Your options: market the tree to a local woodworkers club; market the tree in your local newspaper; contact a local hardwood sawmill owner or licensed timber buyer; contact a professional consulting forester for an appraisal; or contact your local forestry office with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.