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The Daily Insight

How can you tell if black walnuts are bad?

Author

Andrew Ramirez

Published Jun 02, 2026

How can you tell if black walnuts are bad?

Look the black walnut over. The hull should be bright yellow-green, like a tennis ball. There will undoubtedly be brown or black spots or blemishes on it here and there, but that’s all right. If the black walnut has a lot of black or brown on it, or it’s mushy, then it’s rotten and the nut inside may be rotten, too.

Can you cut the top off a walnut tree?

Leave 1 main branch at the top of your tree and remove the rest. The branch at the very top is your “central leader,” which keeps the top of your tree open and airy. If you see additional branches growing towards the top, snip them off with garden shears or saw them away using a hand saw.

How long does a black walnut tree live?

200 years
Black Walnut Tree Info Black walnut trees are native to the central and eastern United States and until the turn of the century, quite common. These trees can live to up to 200 years of age and are one of six walnut species found in the United States.

Are black walnuts bad for you?

Black Walnuts are a rich source of vitamins and nutrients, making it a “superfood”. The nut’s high levels of polyunsaturated fats and antioxidants are key nutrients in protecting against cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, and certain neurodegenerative conditions.

Are black walnut trees worth anything?

A black walnut tree in great condition with a large diameter, roughly 20”, is worth between $700 and $800. The larger the diameter, the more a black walnut tree is worth. In fact, black walnut trees that are 40” in diameter can be worth $2,000 or more, depending on the lumber grade.

How to tell if a backyard walnut tree is dead?

If you’re still not sure, and you love the black walnut tree, take a wait-and-see approach. Trim any damaged or dead branches, and treat the tree for disease if necessary. Wait a year to see if any new growth appears. If the tree remains leafless, it’s time to remove it. On the other hand, a dead black walnut tree might not be such a bad thing.

Where can I find a black walnut tree?

Black walnut trees (Juglans nigra) grow throughout the U.S., where they thrive in sandy, loose soils along rivers and streams.

Why is the black walnut tree in Davis dying?

This massive, 150-year-old black walnut tree on the 100 block of E Street, Davis, is dying of thousand cankers disease. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

How long does it take black walnut tree to breakdown?

In the soil, breakdown may take up to two months after the living walnut tree has been removed. Mulch or woodchips from black walnut are not recommended for plants sensitive to juglone.

If you’re still not sure, and you love the black walnut tree, take a wait-and-see approach. Trim any damaged or dead branches, and treat the tree for disease if necessary. Wait a year to see if any new growth appears. If the tree remains leafless, it’s time to remove it. On the other hand, a dead black walnut tree might not be such a bad thing.

What’s the name of the black walnut tree?

The black walnut tree (Juglans nigra) is one of North America’s most valuable and beautiful native trees, but it does have a “dark side.” Here’s what you should know before planting a black walnut in your yard—and how to harvest and eat the tasty walnuts, too! Facts About the Black Walnut Tree

This massive, 150-year-old black walnut tree on the 100 block of E Street, Davis, is dying of thousand cankers disease. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

In the soil, breakdown may take up to two months after the living walnut tree has been removed. Mulch or woodchips from black walnut are not recommended for plants sensitive to juglone.