Options for tree disposal

   / Options for tree disposal #1  

RobA

Platinum Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2005
Messages
566
Location
Chester County, SE PA
Tractor
Kubota L5030 HST
I have been clearing some of my acreage and have been accumulating huge piles of trees that either I have cut down, an excavator has pushed over or was the slash left over from when I had anything worth money timbered last year. So far I have 5 piles with about 50-100 trees each. Most of the trees are in the 6-12" range with bigger and smaller stuff too - and there is still a lot to clear. I have been burning some of the wood but it will take a long time to burn it all.

Are there any other options? Pulp mill? Mulch processor? There really isn't any timber value in the wood. I thought about finding someone with a large chipper grinder but not sure what that will cost. To make matters worse there are a lot of immature walnut trees in there which I do not want ground up and left on the property since I will have horses.
 
   / Options for tree disposal #2  
My most recent method for the ongoing slash disposal problem is to accumulate a monster pile of slash and then hire the burning operation to a logger with the right machine, permits, and insurance. The slash will be burnt up in no time flat without wasting my time, damaging my equipment, or risk from fire runaway.

The burning takes 1 to two days for a pile as big or bigger than you describe. maybe 1000$ to hire it done by a logger. While the pile is burning, the logger can use the machine to pull stumps or whatever else I want done with a big trackhoe.

The costs are too great in my area to move a tub grinder on site unless there is no burning allowed or you have a super enormous pile or you can sell the hog fuel.
 
   / Options for tree disposal #3  
How about selling them to a firewood supplier? Have him contract (written and signed) to clean up the piles for the privilege of taking the wood for his business. Most of those guys around here have big chippers to eat the small stuff into piles of mulch to be, which they could leave at your place or haul off.
 
   / Options for tree disposal #4  
I know when cutting fire wood anything down to 3" is fair game for good firewood. 3" and smaller makes easy chipper feed or will burn super quick on a hot fire.
 
   / Options for tree disposal #5  
Cutting firewood sounds like a good idea but as many on this board have found, it is very hard to get rid of free wood. If you have huge piles of slash or even huge piles of stacked logs that are no good to a lumber mill then you had better not be in a hurry if you want to give it away. One of those things where people might say they want it but don't really want to do the work.
 
   / Options for tree disposal #6  
If you have a volunteer fire dept. nearby call them.With the turn over rate of volunteers training is always needed.They will move fairly quick when you mention the donation you are willing give them.
 
   / Options for tree disposal #7  
Highbeam said:
Cutting firewood sounds like a good idea but as many on this board have found, it is very hard to get rid of free wood. If you have huge piles of slash or even huge piles of stacked logs that are no good to a lumber mill then you had better not be in a hurry if you want to give it away. One of those things where people might say they want it but don't really want to do the work.
Wow, I find this hard to believe. Around this part of PA (NW corner) free firewood generally goes quick. As long as it is easy to get at. The Forest Service has made cutting wood on the National Forest a real PITA. Another thing you see a lot of around here is small packages of "campfire wood" for sale. Generally it is set along the raod at self -pay stands. Even the local hardware store sells bundles.
 
   / Options for tree disposal #8  
I know...... if its hardwood, i can't believe you cant give it away to someone who burns wood for heat. I'm constantly looking to scrounge free firewood...... as i don't believe in paying for it. Surely someone in your area wants it !
 
   / Options for tree disposal #9  
RobA said:
To make matters worse there are a lot of immature walnut trees in there which I do not want ground up and left on the property since I will have horses.

I'm not an expert but my understanding is that juglone, the active compound in walnut that causes lameness in horses, is water soluable. If the walnut is chipped and left for 6-12 months it is no longer a problem. The rain just washes it away. I have lots of standing walnut and the previous owner had horses without a problem.

Also, it seems every fourth house out here has a "Firewood, $5/stack" sign out front. All the McMansions have fireplaces and people need something to burn, apparently, because the wood seems to move.
 
   / Options for tree disposal #10  
So far I have 5 piles with about 50-100 trees each.
************
Cleararing .60 acres was my winter project last winter.
I gave quite a bit of it to my next door neighbor for fire wood. I still had 5 big piles that I burned.
I still have 26 stumps left from 6 to 8 inch trees that I haven't figured out how to get rid of but every thing else is cleaned up.
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