Reclaiming the land and lumber value

[House faerie]

Ok, the land we're going to buy has 10 walnut trees in various stages of maturity through out the seven acers. We plan to cut most down to plant other trees as well as be able to make more of the land usable for veggies etc.
How much could I maybe get for the lumber? AND How do I go about getting the land back to where it is not messed up by the walnut trees?

[texican]

I imagine it would depend on whether you can find someone to buy the trees.

Personally I wouldn't cut em. Ten trees on seven acres? Not going to cut that much into any kind of vegetable garden... I think the negative aspects of losing vegetable gardening ground under the drip line of the trees is offset 100 fold by the huge harvest of oil rich nuts you'll get each fall.

Now if you had 10 trees on maybe an acre, I could see it as a problem.

Finished, kiln dried lumber does bring a premium... if you have a buyer. Selling raw logs won't bring you as much.

[big rockpile]

If the property is paid for won't be no problem.But some contracts do have restrictions as to what timber can be cut.

big rockpile

[clovis]

Ten trees on seven acres???? How big is your garden going to be? You know a one acre garden is going to work you to death, right?

I think you are going to have a tough time finding a buyer for the trees.

I am no expert, and know very little about the timber business. From what I understand, unless the trees are really big, and are in great condition, it isnt really worth the effort for someone to cut those trees. If the trees are out in the open, I would think that they might be 'wind shook'. Trees in a forest dont usually have that problem.

I would also be surprised if you got much for the trees. Remember, the equipment to handle logs is very expensive, plus you have to add for labor, fuel, liability, break downs to equipment, etc. The logs have to be timbered, cut to length, hauled to a mill, sawn into lumber, hauled again to be dried, sorted, stacked and sold. There has to be a decent profit for all involved. I was told in March, if I remember correctly, I could buy 5/4 (over 1" thick) walnut for 80 cents a board foot in southern Indiana. There are less board feet in a log than you think. I would be surprised if you got a $100 each.

You also have to consider the possible damage to your land, the loss in property value, the loss of shade, and the loss of wildlife, etc.

I think you would be crazy to cut the trees. Why change something for the sake of change?

Now if you harvested the walnuts, replanted them, and had 100 seedlings, and you sold those for $10 each...that would be $1000....most likely enough to pay your property taxes every year. Or a really successful seedling operation....1000 trees at $10 each is $10,000.

If you had 70 trees to cut, I bet it would be a whole different story.

Just my two cents.
Clove

[House faerie]

I don't really want to cut a bunch of trees it is jus that the walmut tree roots are toxic to other plants, and the fruit trees and other trees I want to plant. It also kills a lot og berry plants and other garden plants...

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1148.html

[snettrecker]

where are you located in IN?

[House faerie]

Originally Posted by snettrecker

where are you located in IN?

It will be Logansport next week.

[texican]

Link won't open.

I think the toxicity is limited to the drip line.

Most folks would relish having mature walnut trees. One of those situations where you've got lemons, make lemonade... instead of getting rid of lemons and having no lemonade.

Before I'd cut em down (which I wouldn't do in the first place) because of the toxicity, I'd try and ascertain how long the toxicity remains in the soil. (because of the roots remaining behind)

Good luck.

[cybercat]

If they are black walnut they will have to go because its the roots as well as leaves that are toxic. If its english walnut then that is a different story. Make sure which one you have before you start cutting. Black walnut for those that do not know are toxic even to farm animals.

[House faerie]

Wonder how I can tell the difference.

[House faerie]

Originally Posted by snettrecker

where are you located in IN?

NC Indiana

[BeeFree]

I would talk with a local sawmiller and see what they pay for walnut logs. Since you have so few, you can cut them and load them on a flat bed trailer and haul them to the sawmill.

DH has been cutting our trees and hauling them to the sawmill. They hold out 35% for sawing and selling the finished product.