I am interested in obtaining some information on initial costs to establish a walnut grove for timber. I have approximately 10-15 suitable acres for planting of walnuts or mixed species but I would like an expert to guide me in the process. Is the local forestry office able to provide information and direction on this subject? Thanks in advance, Robert

Greetings Robert,

If you are looking to plant regular "woods run" black walnut seedlings, you can probably expect the following costs here in Illinois:

Planting Density: 436 trees/acre (10' x 10' spacing) Seedling $/acre: $0.50/tree or $218/acre

Site Preparation: $10-40/acre (ex: tillage & herbicide)

Tree Planting Labor/acre: $0.25/tree or $110/acre

Plantation Herbicide Application: $30-40/acre

Please note that there are numerous state and federal reforestation programs available to eligible landowners in Illinois. These programs may be viewed on my website: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/forestry/tree_planting.html

To determine your eligibility for cost-share assistance or financial incentives, please contact your local Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources forester or your local USDA Service Center (Farm Service Agency).

Purdue University and USDA Forest Service has some wonderful publications to get you started:

http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-119.html

http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-149.html

http://www.ncrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/wn/walnutnotestoc.html

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/forestry/publications/pdf/black_walnut/USFS_6th_WCRC_GTR_NC243.pdf

Best of luck!

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