Black Walnut Value

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finishsuper

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Neighbor was just approached by an "out of stater" regarding the black walnut trees he has growing on his property. He was "offered" $100/tree, and the buyer would only take the butt log, leaving the top behind for the neighbor to use for firewood. Neighbor states that most of his trees are in the 15-18" range, but has some that will test 24"+.

Being a woodworker, first and foremost, I thought it was odd that he was being offered a price based upon "per tree", and not board feet, and that I thought it was pretty low.

Does anyone know if this is typical practice for buying standing lumber? I suggested that my neighbor get a forestry expert in there, and have the trees determined for value, and if any were veneer quality.

Appreciate any input or advice. TIa.
 
I don't buy standing timber on principle, however black walnut is going for about $2. a board foot in Portland Oregon and the price seems about on par with the rest of the US. Price may have gone up since last time I called em.

That being said a 16" log at 16' would scale at 150 bf or so depending on how long the scaler's thumb is, equalling $300 per log probably more, and a reputable logger would take every usable stick out of each tree, not just the butt log and leave the mess for you to pick up. Granted dude has to make a bit of money off it but to me sounds like someone is getting ripped off.
 
Thanks, was my feeling exactly. Told the neighbor that my concern would be if any were quality enough for peelers. Can't hand them over for $100 a pop.

Worse comes to worse, I will hire a sawyer and will pay to have the boards cut out of the trees after I fell them and limb them.

Thanks for the reply.
 
IDK about your areas Walnut, but 16 to 18" but logs seem pretty small for some drive by outfit to want to cherry pick. That size Walnut here would have a big sap ring meaning less dark and "desirable" wood. I wouldn't expect to see much value timber in 16 to 18". I may be wrong but the cherry picked grade walnut logs here usually average 30" and up.
 
yea, I know of a guy does that ****..
have yer buddy call 3-4 loggers/buyers, then he will know what they worth.
prices on this side could be low as .35 on to a high of 5.00 or more.
that's why I like to do that on 50/50, that way it's fair to owner and logger. no one knows for sure what they worth till they cut down.
 
I'd boot that guy square in the a$$.There's $100.00 in work just cleaning up the top.
 
I buy walnut standing all the time, the trees are small, the size of the growth ring and the grade determine what they are worth, the price could easily be fair. At that size the only thing worth anything would probably be the butt log, normally 60 percent of the value is in the first log, He did not mention how many trees are being bought. Big price difference between buying 20 trees, 200 tress or 10 . Walnut never seems to bring what the owner thinks they are worth I have over paid more times then I care to remember
 
Great points plasticweld. My concern came from the fact that my neighbor was not necessarily looking to sell trees or lumber. He was approached, out of the blue, by the buyer, and his first instinct was, "I'm being taken for a ride." My neighbor had no dreams of becoming rich or thinking he had a "gold mine", but at the same time, he didn't want to just give something away that may or may not be fair.

His inquiry came to me as: Is this a good deal or not? If it is, I might consider it. If not, I don't want to be taken for an idiot.

I gave him my 2 cents, and then came here to get the $5 worth from some people that know a lot more than me. Thanks for all the replies and input. Much appreciated!
 
finishsuper said:
Neighbor was just approached by an "out of stater" regarding the black walnut trees he has growing on his property. He was "offered" $100/tree, and the buyer would only take the butt log, leaving the top behind for the neighbor to use for firewood. Neighbor states that most of his trees are in the 15-18" range, but has some that will test 24"+.

Being a woodworker, first and foremost, I thought it was odd that he was being offered a price based upon "per tree", and not board feet, and that I thought it was pretty low.

Does anyone know if this is typical practice for buying standing lumber? I suggested that my neighbor get a forestry expert in there, and have the trees determined for value, and if any were veneer quality.

Appreciate any input or advice. TIa.
Click to expand...
Don't think selling 15" is good biz. If they increasing in diameter 1/2"/yr they would increase from 121bf to 196bf in only 6 yrs, over 50% increase, 1/2" might be on the high side but those trees are just now starting to make lumber. Depending on his finances I might shop them 24" to test the market
 
LOL. I watched that video. That was great!

And, no. That is not the case here, thankfully. Just a guy wanting to make sure that "fair is fair" all the way around.
 
KYLogger said:
Is it a.................. "Highly Valuable Black Walnut Tree?" That video makes me crack up everytime I watch it!
Click to expand...
That thing is hilarious .But a 100.00 a tree.Not worth the cleanup even if that's all they are worth.Let 'em grow.
 

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