Osage orange wood was once prized for its strength. An old saying goes a bow made from osage orange was worth a horse and two blankets. As a hedgerow it needs no protection from predation while it is getting established, apparently deer and sheep find it repulsive. I am starting some osage orange trees from seed but also do not know anything you can do with the fruits. Apparently the seeds are edible according to @mackmck .. that's awesome!