Getting Intouch with Tree Service
Before you get ready to load up your trailer or driveway with the finest logs mother nature has to offer, there are a few things that will help you to acquire the log or logs.
Overview
Depending on the geographic region, size, and area of service, tree service companies often have logs of various species that they store at their facility. These logs are more often than not oak, maple, and pine, but may also have a few hidden cherry, ash, and poplar trees. These trees are often there, waiting to be brought home by some friendly woodworker. There is only one caveat, you are going to have to do a little bit of research and talk to people over the phone. (Insert gasp)
Research
The most comprehensive way of finding the right tree service for you is to scour the internet, social media, and if you are highly trained and sophisticated, a phonebook. As you do your research, be sure to look at reviews of people that have interacted with the company in the past.
First Contact
Once you have selected your tree service of choice, you are going to have to inform them that you are looking to purchase some logs for slabs/lumber. If they are unable to meet your needs, politely say thank you for your time and end the conversation. If the company is actually worth its salt, then you are going to want to tell them three more things:
What sizes and quantity you want
What your budget is
If you will pick them up at the facility or will have them delivered (delivery is often an additional fee)
Depending on your distance and distinct needs, it might be advantageous for you to stop at the company’s yard to inspect and mark the logs that you want to purchase. If the company says no to your requests, thank them for their time and then say they can call you if they change their mind. Once you are done, then proceed to resume your research and find the next company in your area.
Final Steps
All you will have to do from this point on is take the log(s) to your local sawmill and pick up the slabs or lumber once the sawmill has worked its magic. Now you can enjoy watching your lumber dry and gain in value. If you are not a patient woodworker, you can decide to have the wood kiln dried in a vacuum kiln.
As always, thank you for checking out my blog and I hope to see you next week when I post the next two installments of Wood You Rather. Leave a comment down below about what you would like to see me talk about in the coming blogs.