How To Get All The Firewood You Need To Heat Your Home Without Spending A Penny

With the cost of living skyrocketing in areas all throughout the country, many consumers are seeking out cheap, or preferably free, ways to curve their utility bills. When it comes to heating your home throughout the winter months, a wood burning stove effectively warms your living spaces without burning through your bank account. To further deepen your monthly energy costs, stop buying your firewood and turn to these completely free, and completely legal, ways of gathering perfectly seasoned firewood.

eBay, Gumtree & FreeCycle

Everyday there are people in your area giving away waste wood (pallets etc) and wood from trees and bushes they have cut down on their properties. People without wood burning stoves and fireplaces are only too happy to give their wood away for free, rather than having to dispose of it themselves. All you have to do is go around and pick up the wood. Check eBay, Gumtree and Freecycle and other similar websites, and search in your areas for firewood and logs etc. Some people will charge a small amount, but most are only too happy to have someone to come over and take it away for them. This is our number one way of acquiring free firewood for our wood burning stove.

Gather Dead Tree Branches

Often times, dead tree branches are found scattered throughout residential or commercial properties. If you notice dead, or even dying, trees lining a property, ask the owner if you can gather some of these branches. In many cases, property owners don’t have the need for the wood, or the financial resources to have the trees removed. Therefore, by gathering these potentially hazardous tree branches you’re not only stockpiling your firewood supply, but also helping out a neighbour.

Post Storm Tree Debris

After a major thunderstorm, tree branches tend to accumulate along the side of the road or in yards of commercial and residential properties. While most property owners simply throw away storm debris, ask the property owner if you can help collect and remove the debris with the premise of keeping some, or all, of the wood. If you live in an area that frequently sees windstorms, this could be the sole source of your firewood supply.

New Construction Tree Debris

As construction crews clear the land for new developments, there may be a significant amount of heavy brush or tree branches left in their wake. While many construction companies sell wood to lumber yards, smaller branches and brush are often available free of charge as long as you receive permission from the construction manager.

Wooden Pallets

Commercial retail stores and warehouses use wooden pallets for a myriad of reasons. While many businesses reuse pallets, once damaged, or once their stock of pallets becomes too large, many are open to donating to local residents for firewood purposes. The size, shape and portability of wooden pallets make them a perfect source for firewood.

Salvage Yards

When it comes to locating firewood, sometimes it’s best to think outside the box. Salvage yards, and even landfills, encourage locals to recycle anything they can. Crates, wooden furniture or building materials are often found in excess. While this form of firewood collection takes a little bit of work, especially when it comes to dismantling furniture, the fruits of your labour are well worth the physical work.

Sawmills

Many sawmills actively search for ways to reduce their overhead, which includes disposal costs associated with end cut removal. Contact your local saw mill and ask about pick up times for scrap lumber. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up a bag or two of sawdust, which may be used as kindling.

(Image from: Wikipedia)

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