At this time of year the walnuts are starting to shed their first shedding
of leaves. These tent caterpillars are not injuring the tree at this time.
Most of the leaf activity has been coming to an end.
It would be different if it was in spring. Also if you goal is to help the
walnut tree I must suggest proper mulching. Maybe you could try to convince
them to properly mulch the tree and this will help the tree become
healthier.

Mulching -
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/M/mulch.html

You could explain to them that the rhizosphere would do better with proper
mulching. Turf really does not help the tree much and causes more of a
problem than tent caterpillars. However DO NOT dig out the turf, the turf
roots grow deeper than the non-woody absorbing (absorb water and essential
elements from soil) of the tree. Digging out the turf will injure the tree.
Here is an article your neighbor could read. Mulch can be applied anytime
as long as it is composted for at least a year. NOT FRESH CHIPS!


Troubles in the Rhizosphere
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/RHIZO.html

Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Consulting Tree Biologist
www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.
Some people will buy products they do not understand and not buy books that
will give them understanding.

--
Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Consulting Tree Biologist
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.
Some people will buy products they do not understand and not buy books that
will give them understanding.

wrote in message
...
Salutations, gentlefolk,

Did a bit of research and found that the little green tennisballs
falling in my front yard actually contain black walnuts.

Any advice on how to seperate the edible part from the "containers'',
and prepare them ?

Second, another walnut tree a few houses down has a gypsy moth nest
among its branches. Any advice on how this investation oughta be
dealt with, and how to persuade the owner to deal with it ?

Yours, John Desmond