The Forestry Forum

Anyone know about butternut sawdust? Good or bad for animals ( or people).

I milled some butternut last weekend, my eyes were still red the next morning, after two showers.  I don't think it's as allergenic to me as walnut, but it's noticeable.  I have no idea about how or if it affects other critters. 

Butternut dust gets me

I don't know about all animals but the horse owners around here do not want butternut, walnut or cherry in the bedding.  I think it is because the horses will eat it and get sick.  Milling butternut does not bother me but planing and working dry lumber and the fine dust gets to me.

Thanks, I have horse people come for sawdust so I will get rid of this some other way.

Hmmm, hadnt thought about the sawdust.
Havent milled any Butternut in many years but my son discovered a fallen one when cutting firewood on saturday so I'll have to saw it soon.

I saw Butternut frequently and don't have any issues with it. I have around 1,000bf in the kiln and another 1,500bf of logs to saw. I would think though that being in the same family as walnut it might have some of the same issues as walnut when it comes to sensitivity to the dust, etc...