Determining if wood is still good.

[Rocky runner]

I have a black walnut tree that was cut down about 4 years ago now.  Its almost three feet in diameter at the largest part. It has been on the ground.  I tried to get some peices of 2x12 under it but doubt they did much.  I am in Michigan where it's pretty humid.  There is no visible rot yet and very little cracking on the ends.  I would like to have this sawn into lumber to build a dinning room table with.  Is it still good?  It would be a shame if I wasted this but I have had a lot of other things going on and this just got forgotten and pushed aside.   Thanks for the help.

[dustyhat]

Are the ends sound, ? Open it up. 3 foot through you still should have some wood in there somewhere. have seen walnut lay for a good time and still yield good.

[TKehl]

Sapwood may be deteriorated over part or all, but the heart should be just fine.  Still well worth cutting.

[bucksnort]

you should get some spalted lumber out of that.

[Rocky runner]

Thanks guys.  Now I just gotta find some room for it to dry someplace, and get it cut up.

[Kbeitz]

The longer is sits the better it looks...

[LeeB]

you should get some spalted lumber out of that.

Not from walnut.

[terrifictimbersllc]

I agree it should be good and for much longer even, if it is on the ground and not drying out.  Because it is walnut which lasts a long time.  Cracks in ends or sides usually don't get in far enough to ruin much of the wood. Rot might get some of the sapwood but that's all.