Neat discovery

[Typhoon]

About last year this time, I purchased 50 acres of timber that I plan on building a log home on this year. Had a friend in the business log it lightly, and when he was working, we got to looking at one of the trees on the property. It is a walnut tree. Well he has been felling trees for about 15 years, and he told me that it was the biggest straightest walnut that he had ever seen. Well, of course I told him not to cut it because it looks so awesome and unique. Well, a couple weeks ago I finally got around to having a forester come out to approve me for some free pine trees, and when he saw the walnut tree he said he couldnt believe it. He also said that it is possibly the largest walnut he has ever seen in southern illinois. I will take some pictures and post them on here. Im not real great at judging measurements, but he said if I were to sell it, it would bring big bucks. But I have no idea personally what its worth, besides im not going to sell it. Anyways, just thought I would share that. It is perfectly straight with no branches, up to what im guessing to be 50-60 feet. Im terrible at guessing dbh, but im thinking 4 feet maybe??? It is the largest diameter trunk I have ever seen on a tree this tall. Cool

 

[Typhoon]

Ahh yeah im careful about it. Dad is building a house about 75 yards from the tree right now so there are people around it every day. No worries. I know it could bring some good money but its gonna stay around for awhile. I like it too much.

 

[tony marks]

congrats on the tree.. who said money dont grow on trees
now what u need to do... is let me get i out the way for u,, so some o the smaller trees around will do better..do it all fer free.ill be waiting on u call,,with chainsaw at the ready.

 

[Jwoods]

Typhoon,

You're a good guy for not wanting to immediately sell a tree like that. Keep a close eye on it however, as you may have time to sell it should it die of natural causes.

I've had the same issues with some trees on my farm. One thing, however, let's say it is worth some big $$. Are you ging to regret if it's damaged in a windstorm, or you "lose" any possible sale from the tree? They don't last forever.

Another avenue may be to inquire if any tree nurserys will pay you for any seedstock.

Just some thoughts.

Joe

 

[UNBforester]

Typhoon,
I can totally agree with you on leaving this tree. It has a great deal of value to you but Jwoods says it best. Get it down before nature has it way. Collect some seed stock and try to plant a stand of walnuts for future generations but take advantage of the tree now.


Dave

 

[Typhoon]

Yeah you guys have a good point, and now have me thinking in that direction. I may just have it appraised. I would really feel dumb if the wind or lightning split er right down the middle. Yikes. I am going to look into it.
Thanks..

 

[cbfarmall]

Get some pictures before you cut it down!!!

Chris B.

 

[Weatherby]

Im just curious as to whether much is growing around it in the way of other trees. Any other walnuts nearby?

 

[Bill G]

The first thing to do is get a true value on the tree. If you cannot estimate DBH then measure the circumference and calculate it from there. Get a good appraisal. There have been some comments about bringing it down before mother nature does. In this area that is a very valid point. A huge number a of oaks and walnuts are dying in large numbers. Also the windstorms of June 29, 1997 took care of a large number. If you want to save the tree and save it's value then you need to insure the tree and any others in the area. Yes you may laugh but you can buy timber insurance. This will allow you to both preserve the tree in it's form and preserve the value.

Bill