WABASHA, Minn. — In 1945, Tom Gosse discovered a small tree in his backyard that had been run over with a mower.

The tree began to grow back, sprouting three shoots. A neighbor suggested to favor the best-growing sprout and prune the other two.

That suggestion is worth thousands of dollars to Gosse today. Gosse, who turns 86 in February, has cared for the trees since he was 7. Gosse had tree harvesters and loggers cut down that tree and two other old walnut trees on his property in January. Each will fetch an estimated $10,000 as lumber.

The straight, healthy trunk is perfect for making planks and thin walnut veneer. At about 110 inches around, the tree trunks each contain about 800 board feet of high-quality, usable wood. At about $14 per board foot, it was time to cut the trees down.

Trees can provide value beyond their lumber. They add curb appeal, help keep homes cool in the summer, prevent erosion and create a windbreak.

Gosse said he plans to plant an English walnut in the front yard this next year to replace one of the trees, adding it will be up to someone else to care for it and harvest it.

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