Noreaster Gift to Northeast Woodburners: Go get your free wood before someone else does

[tradergordo]

Trees down all over the place around me after heavy rain and big wind (big wind still here actually). Before the homeowners start calling the pro's, go get your free supply of wood for next winter.

I posted a "tree felling question" last week - well good news - one of the large trees on that guy's property came down in the storm, right across the road. The town workers already came and cut it up, left it along side the road. Hopefully they don't plan to come back for the wood but I'll probably beat them to it either way.

 

[rudysmallfry]

I passed some rounds last week, but was nervous that it wasn't for the taking. Is the rule of thumb, "if it's at the curb, it's free?" Does that always hold true?

 

[tradergordo]

Probably 99% of the time, but you could always ask the homeowner.

 

[titan]

I always contact the folks nearest any curbside wood before acting but some scroungers feel that illegal is just a sick bird. :lol:

 

[Corie]

Good call on this tradergordo! Seems the power company has been a ton of cutting up by my parents house, so we've already been making out like bandits on the scrounging.

Hoping that we can continue the good luck and maybe won't even have to worry about buying coal after next winter. We'll see I guess.

 

[babalu87]

Ridiculous here this morning, gusting to 50 knots with steady winds near 30 knots. A HUGE Oak broke on the power lines up the street but I wouldnt even begin to cut that one up. Just too big of a job. Everything is a mess as I am sure your towns are. Power was out around 12 hours but we got it back recently. Got to test out the generator for its semi-annual checkup.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

I didn't see any down. I'll be hitting the brush dump this weekend though just in case... We just had rain and snow. Nothing out of the ordinary here.

Matt

 

[HalJason]

I passed some rounds last week, but was nervous that it wasn't for the taking. Is the rule of thumb, "if it's at the curb, it's free?" Does that always hold true?

I keep a pre-written note or two in the car to the effect of:

"Hi, I noticed your pile of wood, and was wondering if you were looking to have it removed. I burn it for heat in the winter, and would be happy to remove it for free. You can reach me at xxx-xxxx if you are interested"

and toss one in the mailbox or in the front door, if no one is home when I knock.

Seems to work for me. I've had people call and say "yes please!", I've had people not call (I wouldn't expect them to make the effort if they weren't looking to get rid of it), but I've never had someone call and be upset.

-Hal

 

[velvetfoot]

I think the note thing is a good idea.

 

[keyman512us]

I passed some rounds last week, but was nervous that it wasn’t for the taking. Is the rule of thumb, “if it’s at the curb, it’s free?” Does that always hold true?

Signature
I burn a Hearthstone Heritage Pictured is the real Rudy

I know I'm going to "Catch some Flak" for this one...but here goes:

I'm not sure how to approach the situation in CT...I would check with the local DPW/Highway Dept./Parks & Cemetary Dept...and perhaps the state DOT for more info. Ask them the specific question.

For my fellow MA residents...(here is where I'm going to take some ribbing...lol)...Call up the city or town government....And ask them for "The name of/how to get in contact with...(Get this ..."The Local Tree Warden".

Honest TG...I'm not making this up...people laugh...but here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts there is an old (antiquated, little heard of,often overlooked) statue on the books that states : "Every city or town shall appoint a Tree Warden...said tree warden shall protect the public interest in regards to public trees".

Practically nobody knows of...or has heard of this...but let me tell ya...if you are cutting a tree in the city...close to the road...even if you THINK YOU OWN IT...you better make damn sure you at least make a phone call to this "Tree Warden" before you fire up a chainsaw!

Customers laugh...when they do...I make them call the town/city and get the OK to cut the tree. They all say "I never knew there was such a thing as a 'Tree Warden'..."

If you call the tree warden...he has the final say, whether it's cutting...or scrounging...

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/41-106.htm

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/87-2.htm

Even the trees are protected by laws in Massachusetts:

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-87-toc.htm

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/87-3.htm