I have a large (~40' x 40') Eastern black walnut and wish that I had your problems. The walnuts begin to slowly fall in the summer and ramp up like crazy in September and October. I typically fill about three yard waste bins with walnuts alone each October. You most likely have a different species of walnut than I (or much hungrier squirrels).

My wife has hulled them in the past, and I believe that she used a hammer. If you have an Eastern black walnut, be sure to wear rubber gloves while removing the husks. Otherwise, your hands will be a lovely dark gray color for several weeks.

Sorry, these are huge wonderful English walnuts. Hope someone can help

bump

You might try posting on the fruit & orchards forum, they discuss squirrel vs. man a lot. In the case of a large tree, they will likely recommend eliminating or reducing the squirrel population.

Often, keeping all branches pruned well off the ground and away from other objects, and then devising an elaborate zero-friction trunk surround so that squirrels cannot climb it, is effective. If squirrels are currently living in the tree, they must be eliminated.

The other forum members could also offer advice on spraying.

good advice, I will try it all!