Described by the Missouri Department of Conservation as "Missouri's most valuable tree," this black walnut located in a yard at the corner of South Aid Avenue and Grove Street just off of Court Square was in the process of being removed Thursday morning by employees with Casey's Tree Service, based in Mtn. View. This particular tree had reached the end of its lifespan, with all but a handful of small branches leafless, and likely reached the maximum height for the species at 90 feet. The trees can live more than 130 years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Black walnut trees are prolific in the area, and are sometimes used for the harvesting of walnuts and lumber, besides providing shade and a nesting place and food source for squirrels and mice. After the nutmeats are harvested, the shells can be ground and used as an abrasive or to make activated charcoal. Missouri is the world's top producer of black walnuts, the fruit of which is designated as the official state tree nut. Ecologically, the trees provide food for the larvae of some moths, including luna and regal moths, and the caterpillars attract inset-eating birds like warblers, according to the MDC.
