Re: RC: Black Walnut

[Trishmare7@aol.com]

Hi Beth,
   My horses are pastured on 8 acres.  I have Black Walnut trees that line 
much of the pasture fence, as well as a few Black Walnuts right IN the 
pasture.  I have never had a single problem with the horses from this <knock 
on wood>.  We have been here 17 years.  (Oh, we've also got wild cherry. 
Ditto.)  I might mention that I have enough pasture that there is always 
plenty of grass for the horses to eat, so they are never tempted to eat any 
walnut leaves, even in the fall.  However, I have seen the horses grazing 
underneath the walnut trees, and there is one tree in particular they love to 
stand under the shade of on hot summer days (not grazing, just napping).  
Again, no problems, but I think there being enough grass to eat is a key 
componant.  
   One observation: the horses seem to be bothered less by bugs when they are 
under the walnut tree, and I think this is partly why they like it so much.
   You have to make your own decision, of course, but I love trees as much as 
I do horses, and I will remove a tree only under dire circumstances (if I 
thought the tree would harm my horse, I would remove it . . . but again, I've 
had no problems in 17 years, and my horses would miss their shade trees.)

<< Hi Teddy and RC'rs.  I have a "new pasture", that is, it is newly fenced, 
and we haven't turned the horses out in it yet, as we need to remove some 
construction material.  It is about an acre, with flat areas and a steep 
hill. It has grassy spots, a number of oak and Eucalyptus trees and two or 
three Walnut trees that are on the steep hill. I am debating in my mind if I 
should have the walnut trees removed. They are tall and shady. My neighbor 
across the road has some in her pasture, and also Avocados, and her various 
horse's have been in there for 40 years, with no harm done. Do you all think 
I should remove my Walnut trees? Or should I wrap them with wire? Or are they 
okay the way they are?  We are planning on planting grass seed at intervals 
so the horse's can munch.  Thanks for your ideas.   Beth >>

Trish Marie & A King David 
Grand Blanc, Michigan (a great state for tree lovers!)