Are you looking for free firewood in your area? These are just a few of the options available!
Firewood is essential for many households, whether you are using a fireplace, wood burning stove, or to heat your home. Although firewood costs can vary depending on where you live and what season it is, it’s possible to save money and get firewood for free.
These are some places where you can find firewood for free near you.
Disclaimer
This article will be prefaced with several disclaimers.
Firewood should not be moved within a 30–50 mile radius. Firewood movement is governed by both state and federal rules. Wood is only allowed to be used in areas or regions that are home to certain species. They can be moved, which can pose dangers to both the environment and the species. Firewood should not be taken without permission. Most cases, the area where the firewood is stored is controlled by an identifiable person or entity. The entity representative or the person responsible should give you permission to enter the area and remove wood. Use one of these resources to clean up. This is not a law, but best practice. You can make the difference between being able to return to that spot or not. Safety measures should be followed. Safety measures include wearing safety glasses, gloves, and a safety helmet; operating equipment safely and appropriately; and following safe burning practices such as not burning poisonous, treated, fresh-chopped, poisonous, drift, or softwoods. It is important to carefully consider the wood to timber ratio. Timber is fast-burning and quickly turns to ash. Kindling helps keep the fire going or lit. Too much of either or both can cause your fireplace to run out of space. Instead, use structural intent to build your fire.
Where can I get free firewood?
Your property
Your property is the best place to find firewood. There may be a fallen tree or a need to cut it down. Or you might have old furniture or pallets that need to be chopped up. You can either scavenge the area or help others. We save our branches each season when we trim them. They can be used to make firewood and fit into our fire pit.
Friends/family/neighbors
You might be able to find wood from people you know. You might discover that someone has wood that they can use by posting on social media or placing an ad on local bulletin boards. You might also find firewood in community social media sites like NextDoor and Facebook.
Local sawmill
A local sawmill is one of the best places for firewood. The sawmill may charge you for wood, but they might have excess wood that you could use.
Local tree companies
Many times, local tree removal companies will allow you to take the wood you have cut. They may have wood in their trucks, or they might even collect it. They may have very dangerous equipment.
Local construction companies and sites
You can often find decent wood at construction sites or new builds if you aren’t afraid to ask. It’s possible to even find it at a construction company. Always ask before you sign.
Local dumps/landfills
Many times, wood is mixed with other materials and trash at dumps and landfills. While you will probably get very dirty and have to dig a lot for good wood, it is free.
Roads and local government
Sometimes, local government facilities have to collect materials that have fallen onto the road or are blocking areas.
They may have some that are available for other people to pick up. You can also find wood on roadsides. To find out more, contact your local trash collectors. Many cemeteries and parks departments will give away wood or mulch from trees that they have cut down to provide routine maintenance. To find out what may be available, check the websites of nearby locations.
Cable and electric companies in the area
Cable and electric companies are like government facilities in that they have to clear areas of trees. You will need to move those materials so make sure you visit the office.
Calling their 1-800 number is not going to help.
National forests
Check with the forester if there is a national forest near you to see if any wood can be hauled away. Make sure to explain that you will be burning the wood, and that you live less than 50 miles from them.
Online
Although it may seem odd to search online for firewood, it is quite possible that you can find free wood there. Be careful when you meet up face-to–face with any online site.
Craigslist: Get free firewood
Craigslist offers a section for free where you can find tons and tons of items, including firewood. To keep your location close, you can choose to isolate it.
Sometimes you may even find someone willing to donate wood if you cut it down. So make sure you check out the Help Wanted area.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a strong competitor to Craigslist when it comes to sales. You can search for firewood in a particular area by selecting a radius.
Freecycle
Freecycle is my favorite site. You can find tons of stuff for free on Freecycle. You can create alerts that will notify you when an item (such as firewood) becomes available. Or you can place a wanted ad for firewood.
ChipDrop
ChipDrop, a new platform that allows gardeners to get wood delivered by arborists, is relatively new. You can also choose to get mulch, or logs, when you sign up. The arborist will bring the wood to your home, although there is some work involved.
You need to be creative when you are looking for firewood. Free wood is heat. Is there any other place where you have accessed free wood in the past?
Similar: How to live with very little money
Ten Places Near You to Get Free Firewood
