Free wood pickup etiquette

[ironspider]

So I have an issue. I called a tree guy posting on Craigslist and asked if he's doing any jobs today. He said yes, go here and then got wood down the road 5 min away. So I'm like cool.

So I get to the first house, took half figuring I'll help him out by taking some at the other house too. I only have a 4x8 trailer. So I load up everything I could fit come home and start unloading. Then he calls and says when are you coming for the rest?

Kind of taken aback I said maybe later. But I really don't plan on going back due to cost of gas making it unreasonable for free wood. If he told me upfront that I have to take everything I'd have just gone to one and declined the other. He's a local tree guy but I really don't want the rest. It's all maple and I know come fall oak and hickory will be everywhere.

Am I wrong? Should I go back?

 

[BCC_Burner]

I think you're fine, ultimately you're still saving him the disposal costs. You could always spin him a line of BS and tell him you need to get everything you took processed before you can crowd your yard with more wood. Odds are, if he's good at his job, he's busy and won't have the time or the inclination to think about you at all, so I wouldn't worry.

It's also important to keep in mind that his rights do not include the right to not be offended by the actions of others, so do your thing.

 

[Charlie2]

Only you know what's right or wrong. Your character decides that.

 

[ironspider]

One problem is I started drinking as soon as I returned from the pickup.

 

[Roundgunner]

I always try to do what the tree service asks so they will call me again.

 

[Tom Wallace]

I think I'd go pick up the rest. The tree guy likely assumed you were taking it all, so then he wouldn't have to arrange for disposal. Now he's given you free wood and still has to arrange for disposal. He may not be as likely to set you up with free wood in the future if you don't get it all.

 

[STIHLY DAN]

If you want more wood you should get the rest. Also by not being clear enough in the beginning, and not taking all the wood he may get soured from letting anyone else get free wood. 1 less avenue for the rest of us.

 

[porkchopexpress]

Do what you need to do this time.
Next time, before taking a single leaf, be very clear on your intentions and fully understand what he expects.
Like a previous person said, he still has to arrange for disposal. Unless it's a massive amount of wood, you haven't done him any favors and he will look towards other scroungers in the future.
Just my 2 cents

Edit: you said you've already started drinking.
Even if you get a ride, please don't use a saw

 

[ironspider]

Fair enough, thanks for the a advice

 

[Woody Stover]

Well, how much did you drink? Seriously, if it's Sugar Maple that's as good as Red Oak, and dries a little faster. I'd grab it for sure. Even if it's soft Maple, that's good to have around for shorter fires, quicker starts, etc. I'd bite the bullet and grab it to keep the inside track with the guy...as mentioned, next time be sure you both understand up front what will be done.

 

[nsfd95]

Are the company initials AJ?

 

[Mag Craft]

I just got a call 3 days ago from a local tree guy for some free wood. I took it all in two trips because that is what he was expecting. He will call again I am pretty sure.

 

[BrotherBart]

So you are letting free wood just lay there?

 

[weatherguy]

Id get the wood, cut and split and store above ground, it won't go bad and you can always use it in the future, I'd never turn down free hardwood and burn a bridge.

 

[Woody Stover]

Are the company initials AJ?

Also Jailed?? Is he on some kind of work-release program? You better keep the guy happy; He might come after ya packin' heat!

 

[nsfd95]

Also Jailed?? Is he on some kind of work-release program? You better keep the guy happy; He might come after ya packin' heat!

Haha

 

[Paulywalnut]

I'd get the rest. Might be hard maple which is great stuff. He might not call you again when he has some oak.

 

[D8Chumley]

Are you 3 years ahead, and do you have the room for it? I'm fortunate to have a little room to spare. And I'm a wood whore. I'd go get it if I were closer lol

 

[Bigg_Redd]

So I have an issue. I called a tree guy posting on Craigslist and asked if he's doing any jobs today. He said yes, go here and then got wood down the road 5 min away. So I'm like cool.

So I get to the first house, took half figuring I'll help him out by taking some at the other house too. I only have a 4x8 trailer. So I load up everything I could fit come home and start unloading. Then he calls and says when are you coming for the rest?

Kind of taken aback I said maybe later. But I really don't plan on going back due to cost of gas making it unreasonable for free wood. If he told me upfront that I have to take everything I'd have just gone to one and declined the other. He's a local tree guy but I really don't want the rest. It's all maple and I know come fall oak and hickory will be everywhere.

Am I wrong? Should I go back?

I'm confused - how is it worth the gas money to get half the wood, but not worth it to get all of it?

 

[Bigg_Redd]

One problem is I started drinking as soon as I returned from the pickup.

I'm confused - what's the problem?

 

[Charlie2]

I'm confused - how is it worth the gas money to get half the wood, but not worth it to get all of it?

Cherry picking is what we call it.

 

[ironspider]

It wasn't a full load for the second haul

 

[Bagelboy]

You can't just take what you want and leave the guy hangin, you should go back and finish what you started! Sorry, but you should appreciate the wood he allowed you to have.

 

[NE WOOD BURNER]

It is common for professionals to extend courtesy of allowing you the avenue to gather your wood. It is expected also that in exchange for your wood you clean the mess.
There is nothing FREE in this world.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

Let's forget about what you should do or shouldn't have to do - the bottom line is if you get all the wood without gripe or complaint you will remain on his call list. If this is important to you then you need to get the rest of the wood. If it's not important then eff it, right?