Question about dealing with tree services

[tylorklein]

Hi all,

I have an ad out on CL letting tree services (and anyone else) know that if they want to dump logs / brush / chips they are welcome to do so at my property with easy access (logs become firewood, brush becomes a bonfire and chips become mulch / compost). I've gotten a decent number of responses and had a few loads of stuff dropped (seems like most tree services are just starting to gear up to get busy though so anticipating more as spring develops).

One thing I was wondering is if anyone has an estimate of what the services would otherwise be paying to dispose of a large load of this type of stuff? I've gotten a few that want to get paid something for log heavy loads (not opposed if it's a good deal but don't really need to pay for low quality wood at this point) and am thinking it would be useful in those discussions to have some idea of what they're dealing with in terms of the cost of dumping as an alternative. In in MN - near the metro area - for reference.

Thanks,

Tylor

 

[Oldman47]

Most tree services have found some place to dump their waste either free or at very low cost. A small number of them have a place to store and season wood so they can sell it later but not many can do that. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that if you would not accept chips it might influence how they deal with waste. If they could drop a 2 inch branch on me but I would not accept any chips, I bet they would not chip those small branches. A 2 inch branch is fire wood even if it will not impress any firewood elitists. It contains some BTUs and will work in any stove once it is dried properly. Why make things hard for the tree trimmer?

 

[tomc585]

around here the trimmers modo is.... "if it fits it chips". Kills me when I see 2"-6" branches get chipped but for them its easier.

 

[tylorklein]

Yeah I've basically said I'll take whatever, assuming they'll do what easiest / most effective in terms of transportation for them in terms of chipping smaller stuff or not. Thanks for the perspective.

 

[2PistolPacker]

Around my area most of the big union tree services have their own dump lots and they also sell processed firewood. The smaller non-union companies also have lots but will advertise their job sites for you to come get free wood loaded on your truck or trailer. I've had decent wood delivered to my property a couple of times but it was only because my house was closer to the job site than their dump lot. I have never paid for wood before, but I would not have a problem paying a fuel fee to bring a truck load of oak, hickory or locust. I think it's a bonus for the tree service that you are willing to take anything they have.

 

[DougA]

Have to agree that from their POV, tossing branches into a chipper is so much easier than trying to delimb it and keeping only the good parts. I've fed whole spruce or scotch pine trees into a 12" and it's awesome.

 

[gzecc]

Hi all,

I have an ad out on CL letting tree services (and anyone else) know that if they want to dump logs / brush / chips they are welcome to do so at my property with easy access (logs become firewood, brush becomes a bonfire and chips become mulch / compost). I've gotten a decent number of responses and had a few loads of stuff dropped (seems like most tree services are just starting to gear up to get busy though so anticipating more as spring develops).

One thing I was wondering is if anyone has an estimate of what the services would otherwise be paying to dispose of a large load of this type of stuff? I've gotten a few that want to get paid something for log heavy loads (not opposed if it's a good deal but don't really need to pay for low quality wood at this point) and am thinking it would be useful in those discussions to have some idea of what they're dealing with in terms of the cost of dumping as an alternative. In in MN - near the metro area - for reference.

Thanks,

Tylor

IMO if your letting them drop chips they should give you logs for free. chips add up quick.

 

[tylorklein]

Yeah so far the only ones who have asked about potential payment were asking in context of good sized log loads. Most people I've talked to seem to ascribe to the logic that both parties come out ahead if they can dump the brush and chips too.

 

[JustWood]

Depends highly on the area and infrastructure. 100 miles to the north of me is a power plant that burns chips. When supply is low they pay for waste wood. Then it gets hard to find cheap wood anywhere.
I have a chip/wood dump which 3 different tree services use. 1 is in regularly and the other 2 when it suits them best. All I can say is be prepared for anything. A big job where endless amounts of chips are flying in or loads of massive logs. Think black powder here.
I've seen 2 month runs of straight chips and then chip wood mixes for awhile. Hard to shut them off if theyre not bringing what you want cuz a week later it might be exactly what you want.
I've considered charging a nominal fee but the convenience of having wood cut to length delivered to my door is priceless.My dads boiler eats 15-20 cord a year heat and HW.
I figure the chips ground into mulch every 2-3 years and sold is my payment.