If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, you still need to dispose of the wood
If you’re aiming to clear your yard of some unwanted trees or are doing a bit of fall yard cleanup, you may have a plan for the actual removal, but planning for log removal is not as straightforward. Luckily, you have many options for how to dispose of trees and branches, and we’ll break them all down.
There are a number of reasons why proper tree branch disposal is important. By being strategic about how you get rid of your tree branches, you can contribute to a clean, healthy yard. You may also reduce the risk of fire hazards during dry spells. Lastly, disposing of tree branches correctly can prevent injuries on your property as well as the lawsuits that may come with them.
It may seem easy to dispose of tree branches. The reality, however, is that it takes a significant amount of planning and work. In most cases, placing them in a burn pile or bagging them up won’t do the trick. These tips can help you dispose of tree branches safely and efficiently so you can protect your property from damage.
If you don’t know how to remove yard waste, many villages, towns, HOAs, and other local organizations offer municipal composting programs or local yard waste recycling. There may be a local transfer station where you can take the downed trees, logs, or branches for disposal.
Additionally, many townships pick up yard debris on a couple of specified dates each year, usually in the spring and fall. Check what programs are available in your local area and make arrangements to transport the yard debris to the proper location or schedule a pick-up.
If you have a lot of fallen or pruned branches on hand and need a flexible schedule to get rid of them, consider renting a dumpster. Unlike hiring a junk hauling company—which will pick up all your waste during one appointment—dumpster rentals last about a week on average. This extended time frame will give you the freedom and capacity to make multiple trips to the yard waste drop-off center as needed. The cost to rent a dumpster ranges from $290 to $480 and depends on the dumpster size you choose and the length of your rental.
Another option for getting rid of cut-down trees is to burn the wood in place. This option may be more time-consuming, as you’ll need to dry the wood somewhat. However, for leafy branches, this may be more time-efficient than sawing off individual branches and figuring out what to do with them. You should have experience with these types of controlled burns before moving forward, though.
Keep in mind that some species of open-pore “cottonwood” or “alamo” varieties soak up water very easily from rain if left out too long, so you might have to place a tarp over these species to let them air out. Leave airflow space underneath for airflow and let dry for six to 12 months or use fuel to help the wood burn more effectively.
Note: Using fuel to burn wood is not legal in all areas, so always check with your local officials first. You should also aim to do this when humidity is high so you minimize risk to the surrounding soil, according to Oklahoma State University. Keep in mind that burning brush on these days may take longer.
You should carefully ignite the brush by using a tool like a drip torch, road flare, or propane torch. You should also not use gasoline to burn the brush, as this can be dangerous.
This might sound straightforward, but if you know neighbors, lumber mills, woodworkers, or others who could use free wood, why not just give it away? You might have to encourage a company or a few friends with trucks to come out and do some heavy-duty lifting, but you can rest at the end of the day knowing the wood is no longer in your hands.
Last but not least, if you want your tree demolition to be out of sight and out of mind quickly, then the easiest way to do it is to hire a tree service company to do the job. This option might cost more in the long run, but it will almost certainly save you time—especially if you are removing many trees and will have a lot of cut-down pieces remaining afterward.
A pro knows how to get rid of cut-down trees efficiently and can also use a stump grinder to remove stumps, remove roots, and ensure that power lines are clear of large trees.
Not to mention, a professional can inspect all trees on your property to help identify any sickly or unhealthy trees and remove them at the same time, saving you the trouble of having to repeat this process if another tree were to fall or become a hazard.
Getting rid of cut-down logs entirely is not the only option available. There are many different ways to repurpose valuable wood from fallen trees, with our favorites detailed below.
Store for Firewood: Storing chopped-down trees as firewood is a fairly simple way to get rid of branches. Keep in mind that not all trees can be used for firewood.
Turn Into Mulch/Wood Chips: If your trees are smaller or you’ve already hired a tree service company to come on-site, turning your chopped trees into wood chips might be the right option for you. You can also take the brush to a brush chipping company in your area if you’ve already had the trees cut down.
Create a Property Line: Another way to get rid of cut-down trees is to get creative with them. Create a charming rustic fence, or go for the eco-friendly, low-maintenance route by simply rolling the logs in a single-file line to the edges of your property as a property line barrier.
Use as Compost: If you don’t mind adding a bit of wood to the natural scenery on your property, one way you can dispose of tree cuts is by simply stacking them and letting them break down. Better yet, you can create compost sites from the stacked wood and pile up unsightly branches on the inside.
Create a Habitat: While deadwood might not look as beautiful as live trees, they have an equally as important role. Deadwood provides a habitat for certain animals, like insects, butterflies, bees, birds, reptiles, and small mammals. It can also make a great home for various wild plant species.
Use as Furniture: Depending on the species and quality of wood, you might be able to use stumps and straight branches as legs for chairs, tables, and even stair railings. This project is a great way to add some custom furniture to your home while also preserving the memories of the trees that used to be on your property.
These tips can simplify tree branch removal and ensure you do the job right the first time.
Don't Delay It: It may be tempting to tell yourself that you’ll dispose of tree branches later. After all, life is busy, and you likely have a lot on your plate. However, putting it off can lead to piles of branches that cause hazards for you and your family. Instead of neglecting tree branches, do your best to get rid of them right away.
Wear Safety Gear: Branches are often sharp—it’s essential to dress appropriately during tree branch removal. Ideally, you should wear safety gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants.
Remember the Stumps: There’s a good chance you’ll have stumps after you cut after you get rid of unwanted trees. Since stumps can quickly become a hazard, it’s a good idea to rent a stump grinder or hire a pro to safely remove them.
Ensure Loads are Tied Down: You may want to pack as many tree branches into a trailer as possible in order to save time. However, it’s crucial to make sure each load is properly tied down. Otherwise, the branches can fall out of your trailer and lead to trouble.
When it’s time to dispose of your tree branches, you may consider doing the job yourself or hiring a professional waste removal service. Before taking on the job, consider whether you’re up to the physical labor and can complete the job safely. Do you have the proper equipment or gear, such as eyewear and thick gloves? The disposal method you prefer will also influence your decision. Collecting a few branches for your regular yard waste pick-up is fine for DIY, but dismantling an entire fallen tree and hauling it away can be too labor-intensive for a homeowner.
If you decide to leave the tree branch removal to a professional waste removal service, you can expect an average cost between $150 and $350. It could cost more or less depending on the size of the project. The amount of debris you have is typically the biggest influencing factor for the cost of waste removal.
If you recently cut down a tree and are left with the tree stump, there are a few different methods you can use to remove it. First and foremost, you can simply dig the tree stump out of the ground by loosening up the soil and roots. Use a reciprocating saw to aid in the removal of the root system.
You could also carefully burn the stump to remove it. Use other pieces of wood to create fire on top of the stump and continue to add more wood until the entire stump has burned.
Finally, you could use a chemical made specifically for stump removal. Per the manufacturer’s instructions, drill holes into the stump and pour in the chemical. As the chemical is absorbed, it will soften the stump, making the removal much easier.
If a tree is truly dead, it’s a good idea to remove it from your property ASAP, especially if it’s close to your home. Otherwise, you run the risk of it falling.
Once you knock it down, you can use many of the disposal methods mentioned above, including:
Removing it by taking it to a disposal location or hiring a professional to pick it up.
Repurposing it by creating furniture or other wood DIY projects.
Using the wood for mulch or to create a wooden pathway.
You can use fallen trees on your own property as you like. Depending on the laws in your locality, collecting dead wood from a fallen tree at a park or other site is typically allowed with certain restrictions. Wood can only be taken from a dead or fallen tree, and it cannot be transported out of the area. You’ll typically only be able to use it for firewood unless you have a permit. Check with officials near you for specific guidance.
