I have a black walnut grove that has 450+ trees that were planted in 1969. Unfortunately they have been very stunted due to being planted too close. The largest tree is only 20” BHD. There are 50 trees over 14” BHD that I’ve been made an offer on. I have two questions: Should I harvest these larger (but still somewhat small by veneer standards) now? Will the other trees ever reach a timber value size?

Hi Troy:

Thank you for contacting Univ. of Illinois Extension Forestry for your black walnut question.

The absolute best recommendation I can provide to you is to seek professional forestry guidance from a local professional forester via an on-site inspection. It is simply too difficult, and impractical from my standpoint, to provide detailed answers to your question via this venue as this plantation is an investment and such an investment demands a hands-on approach via an on-site inspection and evaluation by a professional forester.

Please contact Penn State Extension Forestry for a list of professional foresters in your area of PA.

Best of luck to you!