Why Arborists Are the Best Source for Free Firewood

If you’re looking for a steady supply of firewood that’s legal, ethical, and surprisingly easy to come by, free firewood from arborists might just be your best-kept secret.

Across the UK, tree surgeons work daily to remove branches, limbs, and even entire trees as part of their regular jobs. Much of that wood is perfectly usable for burning — and often, they need to offload it quickly.

As a result, you can often score logs and offcuts for free (or very cheap) just by asking the right person at the right time.

What This Guide Covers

🔥 In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Why arborists are such a reliable source for firewood
  
• How to approach them without being a nuisance
  
• What to know before loading up your van or trailer
  

So, whether you’re heating a home, stocking a stove, or prepping for next winter, this could be one of the smartest ways to fuel up for free.

1. What Do Arborists and Tree Surgeons Do?

Arborists — also known as tree surgeons in the UK — are skilled professionals who specialise in the care, maintenance, and removal of trees. From pruning overgrown branches to felling diseased trees and clearing storm damage, they play a vital role in keeping both urban and rural landscapes safe and healthy.

Why This Matters for Firewood Collectors

As part of their work, arborists routinely cut and process large volumes of wood. This means they often end up with piles of leftover timber — including logs, branches, and wood chippings. For many, this wood is simply waste. In fact, getting rid of it can cost time and money, especially for smaller businesses.

The Win-Win Opportunity

Here’s where you come in.

If you’re on the hunt for firewood, arborists are often happy to let locals collect wood directly from the job site or their yard — particularly if you’re polite, reliable, and ready to act fast. For them, it’s a win-win: you take the wood off their hands, and they save on disposal and transport.

In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to get free firewood from arborists, especially if you build a good rapport and show up when needed.

Simply put, when a tree comes down, it often produces more wood than an arborist wants to deal with — and that’s your opportunity to step in and stock up.

2. Why Arborists Give Firewood Away

For arborists, wood is usually a by-product rather than a valuable resource. Once the job is complete — whether it’s pruning a large tree or clearing up after a storm — they’re often left with piles of logs and branches that need to go somewhere.

While larger companies might process and sell firewood as a side business, many smaller operators simply don’t have the space, transport, or time to deal with it. As a result, disposing of leftover wood — or offering free firewood from arborists — becomes a hassle and an added cost.

Instead of paying to tip it, many arborists are happy to give the wood away. Here’s why:

Why It Makes Sense for Arborists

✅ It Saves Them Time

Loading up waste and taking it to a disposal site eats into their day. If someone turns up to collect it quickly, that’s one less job on their list.

✅ It Saves Them Money

Tipping fees at recycling centres or green waste depots can be expensive. Giving firewood away eliminates that cost entirely.

✅ It Builds Goodwill

Offering free firewood helps arborists build trust in the local community. It shows they’re helpful, environmentally aware, and not wasteful — all things that can lead to more word-of-mouth referrals.

So while it might sound too good to be true, free firewood from arborists often benefits both sides: you get a free heat source, and they save time, space, and money.

3. What Kind of Wood Can You Expect?

One of the best things about getting free firewood from arborists is the variety — but it also means you’ll want to know what to expect before you start loading up.

Types of Wood You Might Get

🪵 Logs

Often cut to manageable lengths, though you may still need to split or season them.

🌿 Branches

These burn quickly and make excellent kindling or fuel for short fires.

🌱 Wood Chips

While not suitable for indoor burning, they’re great for garden paths, composting, or smoking food.

Hardwood vs. Softwood

Arborists deal with both, depending on the job:

• Hardwoods (like oak, ash, and beech) burn longer and hotter — perfect for stoves and long winter fires.
  
• Softwoods (like pine, spruce, and poplar) burn faster and create more soot, but they’re fine for outdoor firepits or mixing in with hardwood.
  

Seasoned vs. Green Wood

Most of the firewood you’ll get from arborists will be green, meaning it’s freshly cut and still full of moisture. Burning it straight away can lead to:

• Low heat output
  
• Lots of smoke
  
• Creosote buildup in your chimney
  

To get the most out of it, you’ll need to store and season the wood for 6–12 months, depending on the type and how you stack it.

Understanding what you’re collecting helps you plan ahead — whether that’s splitting, drying, or blending it into your existing woodpile.

4. How to Ask (Without Being a Nuisance)

Asking an arborist for firewood might feel awkward at first, but with a bit of courtesy and the right timing, it can lead to a reliable wood supply.

Tips for Making the Ask

✅ Be Polite and Professional

Treat the request like a favour, not a transaction. A simple, respectful message can go a long way:

“Hi, I saw you’re working in the area. If you ever have spare logs or offcuts, I’d be happy to collect them.”

This kind of approach keeps things low-pressure and shows you’re not just after free stuff — you’re being thoughtful and helpful.

⏰ Time It Right

Reaching out at the right moment makes a big difference:

• After storms: Arborists are extra busy and produce loads of wood.
  
• During large jobs: Tree removals and big prunings create more surplus.
  
• Weekday mornings: You’ll catch them before the van is loaded up.
  

🚗 Make Collection Easy

Make it effortless for them to say yes:

• Offer to collect wood from the job site or their yard.
  
• Bring your own tools, tarp, or trailer.
  
• Act fast — don’t keep them waiting days.
  

🙌 Build a Relationship

Once you’ve shown you’re reliable and respectful, they might even start reaching out to you when wood becomes available. That’s the sweet spot — becoming their go-to collector.

With a little friendliness and follow-through, you can turn one polite ask into a long-term source of free firewood from arborists.

5. Best Places to Find Arborists Offering Free Wood

While a few arborists might approach you first, it’s usually up to you to make the first move. The good news? There are plenty of reliable ways to connect with professionals who are happy to give away leftover logs and branches — making it easier than ever to get free firewood from arborists in your area.

Where to Look First

🌳 Local Tree Surgery Companies

Start by checking out businesses in your area. Many smaller firms are open to letting locals collect wood from job sites or their yards. Be sure to:

• Browse company websites with contact forms
  
• Check Facebook pages for local tree surgeons
  
• Read Google reviews to find the most approachable teams
  

💬 Facebook Groups & Marketplace

Search for keywords like “free logs,” “tree offcuts,” or “firewood giveaway” in:

• Community buy/sell groups
  
• Neighbourhood forums
  
• Marketplace listings (set up alerts to stay ahead)
  

Pro tip: Join garden and DIY groups — arborists often post extras there or respond to requests.

🧑‍🌾 Word of Mouth

Ask around locally:

• Chat with neighbours or allotment holders
  
• Speak to landscapers — they often work with tree surgeons
  
• Visit garden centres, which frequently contract arborists and may point you in the right direction
  

📍 Bonus: Spot Jobs in Progress

Keep an eye out for tree work happening in your area:

• Politely approach the crew and ask if they have any spare wood
  
• Offer to take logs or branches off their hands on the spot
  
• Be respectful — wait for a break or approach from a distance
  

With a little persistence and a good attitude, you’ll quickly build a shortlist of trusted local sources for free firewood from arborists.

6. Tips for Using Arborist Firewood

Once you’ve scored a stash of free firewood from arborists, it’s important to store, season, and burn it properly — especially if it’s freshly cut.

How to Make the Most of Your Firewood

🪵 Seasoning Your Firewood

Most arborist logs will be “green,” meaning they’re still full of moisture and need time to dry out.

• Split larger logs to help them dry faster.
  
• Stack wood off the ground with airflow underneath.
  
• Cover the top but leave the sides exposed so moisture can escape.
  
• Plan for 6–12 months of seasoning, depending on the wood type and your local climate.
  

🐛 Check for Pests or Rot

Before you stack anything:

• Look for signs of mold, ants, or beetles.
  
• Avoid bringing questionable logs into your home, garage, or log store.
  
• Set aside older or lower-quality pieces for outdoor firepits or kindling.
  

🧰 Tools That Make Life Easier

Having the right tools can make a big difference:

• A splitting axe or maul for large logs
  
• A saw — either a bow saw or a chainsaw for faster cuts
  
• Log tongs or a carrier to save your back
  
• A moisture meter to check if your wood’s ready to burn
  

🔥 Burn Smart, Not Fast

To get the best results and avoid issues:

• Mix seasoned hardwood with a bit of softwood for a cleaner, longer burn.
  
• Don’t overload your stove — green wood creates more creosote.
  
• Clean your chimney regularly, especially if you burn mixed or softer woods.
  

When handled the right way, arborist wood offers a reliable, low-cost heat source — and keeps perfectly good timber from going to waste.

Frequently Asked Questions: Free Firewood from Arborists

Conclusion: Fuel for Free, Straight from the Source

Whether you’re heating your home, fuelling a firepit, or simply trying to cut costs, free firewood from arborists is one of the easiest — and most overlooked — options available.

These professionals often end up with more wood than they can handle. If you’re polite, reliable, and quick to collect, you’ll not only help them out but also keep your firewood supply stacked for free.

By building a few local connections, keeping an eye on community groups, and having your gear ready, you can tap into a renewable, low-effort source of fuel — right in your own neighbourhood.

What to Do Next

🔥 Use the Tool

Find free firewood near you with our Firewood Finder Tool

🌿 Build Your Storage

Learn how to build your own pallet log store

✅ Grab the Checklist

Download the Firewood Collection Checklist (PDF)

Got a good score from an arborist? Tag us or drop your story in the comments — we’d love to hear how it’s working for you.