Are you looking for the best places to find free firewood? Yes? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the best places to find firewood to warm your home.
Firewood is important for burning in stoves, fireplaces, and outdoor fire pits. Mostly firewood is used in the winter season when the temperature is low. However, stocking up on firewood during the high-demand season can get pricey. The pricing may vary by location, size, and wood type.
Wood is measured in cord. A full cord is a large amount of wood. It measures four feet high by four feet wide by eight feet long and has a volume of 128 cubic feet. One cord of wood can price between $250 to $400.
Is it possible to get free firewood? Yes, it’s possible.
In this post, I’ll tell you some of the best places to find free firewood. However, I can’t guarantee you’ll always get firewood from these places.
Where To Get Free Firewood?
Here are some of the best places to get free firewood.
1. Craigslist
Craigslist is one of the best places to find free stuff online, including firewood. Many people want to get rid of dead trees out of their yards. For that reason, they post an ad on Craigslist.
Craigslist has a “Free” section with many listings for free stuff. You can’t see free firewood listings on Craigslist regularly. However, you could often see free firewood listings. Therefore, browse the Craigslist “Free” section periodically.
Craigslist also has a “Job” section. You can offer free tree removal in exchange for wood. Trust me, many people are looking for free tree removal services.
Related Article: 30 Sites Like Craigslist To Sell & Buy Used Stuff
2. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is another platform that works similarly to Craigslist. Originally, Facebook Marketplace was created to buy and sell used stuff locally. However, you could find free stuff, including firewood.
All you have to do is explore the Facebook Marketplace for free firewood. You can use the search bar to find firewood. Most of the time you’ll get firewood selling ads. However, you might find free firewood in the midst.
3. ChipDrop
ChipDrop is one of the best places to get free wood chip mulch. ChipDrop works as a mediator between people who want wood chip mulch and arborists and tree companies trying to get rid of it.
It’s free for gardeners or people who want free wood chips or logs. To get started, join the platform as a gardener. You’ll be put on a list for arborists to deposit wood chips or logs at your home with free delivery. However, you can’t schedule the drop-off.
4. Freecycle.org
Freecycle.org is a nonprofit movement of people giving and getting free stuff in their neighborhood. It encourages recycling in the neighborhood.
Mostly people use this platform to get rid of things they no longer need. You may find listings giving away wood in exchange for tree removal. Moreover, it allows you to create a smaller Friends Circle to gift and lend items.
5. Sawmills
Sawmill is one of the best places to find free firewood. Sawmills usually produce usable lumber from tree logs. However, they can’t use 100% of trees. In the process, sawmills produce scraps they don’t use or need.
Sawmills often pay companies to remove scraps from their landfills. They would love to reduce costs a little by giving away firewood to you. All you need to do is get in touch with them and make a request.
You can find local sawmills by searching on the internet. All you have to do is type “sawmills near me” on the search bar. You’ll get a list of sawmills near you.
6. Wood Pallets
Wood pallets are used for transporting, packing, or storing products. Crafters and DIY enthusiasts often look for wood pallets to use in various projects. You could find free wood pallets from hardware and grocery stores.
Wood pallets can be used as firewood. However, you should avoid burning wood pallets marked with an “MB,” indicating a dangerous methyl bromide treatment. Also, wood pallets with visible stains (they could be possible chemicals) are not safe to burn. Also, never burn wood pallets with screws, nails, and staples.
7. National Forests
National forests are a good source of firewood. It doesn’t mean you can verge into the national forest and cut down trees indiscriminately. You’ll need a permit to harvest firewood from a specific tract of National Forest.
National forest authorities allow forest visitors to harvest firewood in reasonable amounts for personal use without a permit. However, harvesting more than small quantities requires a permit, and sometimes may require a contract.
To find the nearest National Forests, visit this site.
8. Tree Companies or Arborists
Tree companies and arborists offer tree removal services. They gather a lot of wood to sell in the market. You could buy firewood at a decent price. Moreover, you could get free firewood that they aren’t going to use. All you need to do is ask if you could get some free firewood.
9. Neighbors or Friends Who’ve Cut Down Trees
Do you have any friends or neighbors who’ve recently cut down trees? Yes? Then you can ask for free firewood from them.
They would love to give away firewood if your friend or neighbor has no fireplace. You could help them by taking away wood from their landfills.
10. Visit Construction Sites
Construction sites are another great option to hunt down firewood. Sometimes, construction workers need to cut down trees to make space to build homes or offices. Most of the time construction workers don’t need wood. They will probably dispose of wood.
You can visit construction sites to ask if you can get some firewood. If you get permission, you should take as much as you can store. Therefore, visit any nearby construction sites to get some free firewood.
11. Clean Up After a Storm
Heavy wind, rain, or snow can often bring down tree branches and sometimes entire trees. It allows you to grab free firewood.
The local authorities or councils are responsible for cleaning up trees fallen on the road. However, the average homeowners often look for individuals who can help them clean up trees and branches after a storm. It’s because they are not capable enough to remove trees from their property.
If you have expertise in tree removal, you can get some free firewood. You can offer tree removal services in exchange for firewood.
Most towns start the cleaning up quickly. You must step in as soon as possible when it’s safe to roam around the town.
12. Your Own Yard
If your house is surrounded by trees, most probably tree branches have fallen on your yard. You can use it for your firewood needs. Also, you can cut down some trees for firewood if you have an abundance of trees.
However, you may have to get permission from local authorities to cut down trees. Some cities restrict cutting down trees to preserve the environment’s ecosystem. Call your local authorities to check whether you can cut down trees for firewood.
FAQs
Can I use wood pallets for firewood?
Yes, you can use wood pallets for firewood. However, you should avoid burning wood pallets with nails, screws, and stamps. Also, you shouldn’t burn wood pallets that were treated with chemicals.
What types of wood are typically available for free?
The types of wood available for free can vary. The common options include hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory and softwoods like pine. Also, you can get free firewood in the form of logs, branches, and chips.
Are all trees good for firewood?
Unfortunately, not all trees are good for firewood. You need woods that burn slowly and produce more heat for firewood. For that reason, hardwoods like oak, maple, hickory, ash, beech, cherry, and birch are preferable for firewood.
How can I store firewood properly?
It’s important to store firewood in a dry and well-ventilated area off the ground to prevent moisture absorption. You can cover the woodpile with a tarp to keep it dry. However, you should avoid storing firewood directly against your home to prevent pest infestations.
Can I use free firewood for cooking or grilling?
Yes, you can use free firewood for cooking or grilling. Hardwoods like oak and maple are often preferable for their long burn and cleaner smoke.
Is firewood useful or harmful?
Firewood is a traditional way to heat your home. Therefore, we could say it’s useful. However, like any other fuel, wood has its drawbacks. When you burn firewood, harmful emissions take place.
Final Thoughts
Firewood is a traditional way to heat your home during the winter season. For that reason, people start collecting firewood before winter comes. As you might know, it’s expensive to buy firewood from the market. In that case, you might love to get free firewood.
As you can see, there are many places to find free firewood. You don’t have to try all of these places to get free firewood. Only choose the places that are convenient for you.
What do you think about getting free firewood? Do you know any places to find free firewood? Let me know in the comments.
Recommended Articles:
Leave a Reply