Confusing information about black walnut trees

[rhymes_with_orange]

Where I live black walnut trees are everywhere. It would be a significant project and investment to remove all of them, and some of them are of significant size and offer significant shade. Some of them aren’t even fully on my property, but particularly overhang my pasture area.

I recently had a conversation with somebody who was shocked that I hadn’t removed every single black walnut in and around my pasture. They were concerned that my horse’s were at risk of laminitis just by being around the trees.

I was always under the impression that it was the shavings or wood dust that was the culprit, and not just standing under the tree for shade that would make a horse sick…

[Simkie]

It’s my understanding, like yours, that removing them carries far more risk than just leaving them. It’s the shavings/sawdust/etc that’s harmful?

[endlessclimb]

I second this.

I also want to state that theyre a horrible tree in general, but a mature shade tree is priceless.

[rhymes_with_orange]

I had one removed by my driveway. It was a huge hassle, and the guys doing it made an off handed comment that the ground around the tree shouldn’t have animals on it for five years.

[JB]

@rhymes_with_orange

I was always under the impression that it was the shavings or wood dust that was the culprit, and not just standing under the tree for shade that would make a horse sick…

You are correct. Horses have coexisted under BWs for years. Yes, go remove downed branches, and if something big enough falls that a chainsaw is needed, you really need to section off that area so a horse cannot stand on sawdust.

Other than that, and the general issues of fallen nuts, it’s fine

[trubandloki]

I agree with all the above comments. An existing black walnut that is a nice shade tree is just fine.

[OzarksRider]

My horses have been grazing in pastures that have black walnut trees for years with no problems. However, when the power company took down a walnut tree near our driveway I made sure my riding horse never stepped in the sawdust. I worry more about the acorns from all the oak trees around here.

[clanter]

if it were a problem there would not be many horses in Kentucky as Black Walnut trees are native and common throughout Kentucky

[FitToBeTied]

The problem I have had with the BW is that pasture doesn’t grow well around them. There is something in the tree and nuts that is not good for grass growth. I have removed all the BW on the property although I have about six stumps to remove. I don’t grind the stumps, I remove them with a back hoe.

[endlessclimb]

It’s the juglone - only certain things are tolerant.

I hate how messy they are, and being pegged with the fruit falling hurts.

[luvmyhackney]

I have a decent sized one by my office and HATE it. The nuts are ridiculous and it’s messy, but it is a good shade tree.

I’ve been worried about my goats near it.

[Amberley]

Black walnuts are delicious, you guys are missing out if you are leaving the nuts on the ground. People will pay a surprising amount for them too!