Harvesting fallen logs from neighbor's land

[dgeesaman]

Hi,

I live on a 15 acre tract that borders a 150 acre tract belonging to someone else. 100 is cornfield, leased by a nearby farmer and 50 is wooded and to my knowledge, completely unused. The owner bought that big tract with aspirations to develop it but got roadblocked by zoning (and common sense). So it's just been for sale for a few years with no activity other than the corn farming. The owner lives several miles away according to public records and I've never met him.

I'm looking for a good source of firewood. Once hunting seasons are over, I'd like to offer to clear fallen (and diseased) trees from the wooded sections and perimeter. My thought is: I get firewood for the cost of fuel and time, and the owner gets his dirt paths cleared and woods from becoming grossly overgrown with fallen logs. I'd pay a little money too if that's required, and of course I'd stay completely out of the way of the farmer or other things going on.

Anyone arranged a deal like this? What's a fair and equitable proposal?

David

 

[TripleR]

No, but I sure would jump on it, we have offered fallen trees for firewood in the past and only one person responded for one tree. We have over 150 acres in woods and I can no longer process fallen trees, so really good Oaks and Hickory just lie where they fall and rot.

 

[dgeesaman]

I guess one question in my mind is: will this person have any understanding that I won't be taking all kinds of trees and wood.

I'm hopeful there is a double-track path or similar that he wants to keep clear. Then in exchange for that favor I can selectively remove the logs that are good for firewood and leave the rest. Fortunately the trees around us are heavy with oaks, sycamore, hickory, chestnut, birch, etc.

David

 

[ovrszd]

No, but I sure would jump on it, we have offered fallen trees for firewood in the past and only one person responded for one tree. We have over 150 acres in woods and I can no longer process fallen trees, so really good Oaks and Hickory just lie where they fall and rot.

I have a total of 70 acres timber. I only cut live trees when I run short. Wish I lived next to you. Win-win in my opinion.

 

[ovrszd]

I guess one question in my mind is: will this person have any understanding that I won't be taking all kinds of trees and wood.

I'm hopeful there is a double-track path or similar that he wants to keep clear. Then in exchange for that favor I can selectively remove the logs that are good for firewood and leave the rest. Fortunately the trees around us are heavy with oaks, sycamore, hickory, chestnut, birch, etc.

David

I cut and burn every kind of tree that needs removed, pay no attention to type. Mix the poor burning with good burning and especially important, cut ahead so you are always burning seasoned wood and species doesn't matter.

 

[TripleR]

I'd just explain it to him and he can set forth his expectations as well. It wouldn't bother me for someone to leave trash trees and remove only those good for firewood. I would set expectations on no tractors while muddy, no cutting of standing trees without consultation, general respect for the land etc.

 

[TripleR]

I cut and burn every kind of tree that needs removed, pay no attention to type. Mix the poor burning with good burning and especially important, cut ahead so you are always burning seasoned wood and species doesn't matter.

I always did the same if the wood wasn't rotten, we have some fall down so far gone they're not worth salvaging.

Sure wish you lived close too, I just hate to see all that good firewood rotting.

 

[dgeesaman]

I cut and burn every kind of tree that needs removed, pay no attention to type. Mix the poor burning with good burning and especially important, cut ahead so you are always burning seasoned wood and species doesn't matter.

What I have is a Oneida firebox furnace that will heat the same airways used by the central air system. I don't know the technical name for it but long-lasting wood that does not creosote the chimney seems important to me.

I have about two cords left over from the previous owner and my boss has cordage to sell me so this winter is covered. I definitely plan to get cutting for future seasons rather than attempt to burn anything unseasoned.

I'd just explain it to him and he can set forth his expectations as well. It wouldn't bother me for someone to leave trash trees and remove only those good for firewood. I would set expectations on no tractors while muddy, no cutting of standing trees without consultation, general respect for the land etc.

I agree and planned to use my cell phone camera and notebook to record my activity. I figure a before-after pic should cover both of us well. I definitely would need something from him in writing that I can carry with me for confirmation.

 

[clemsonfor]

I would ask to meet him at the property and show him what you want to do, and tell him what your intentions are, like no cutting live trees unless there say 45 degrees or more leaned over. Cutting dead standing trees, cutting fallen trees. Show the equiptment you will use and offer to deliver him a load of split wood if he wants. Also i would do as others say and stress that you wont use equiptment when its wet and wont cut the trees down and make roads all over the place.

 

[Loadstar]

He may be worried about liability. It is a plus though having a responsible person there to keep watch over the land. Helps out with trespassers and unauthorized hunting. Maybe use that to help like your a guardian of his land.