Journal Entry for 3/8/2026
How to Save a Tree from The Chipper
That dead tree of yours spent years growing. It provided shade, home to birds and other animals; it also became a valuable asset to your home. Just because it's a dead tree, doesn't mean it deserves to go into the chipper. Before you to hire a Tree Service Company to remove a dead tree, conduct an interview.
Ask Before they Come to Cut
Before your tree is cut and headed for the grinder, ask questions. Negotiate the cost. If you like to make projects using wood, you may want the sawlogs kept intact. Specify what length (usually 8 to 12 feet) rather than cookie rounds or firewood chunks.
Clear the Landing Zone
The more you know and can do yourself, should reduce the price. Ensure there is a flat, accessible area where the logs can be staged. Tree trunks are very heavy! If the mill can't get a trailer or tractor near them, they'll stay wherever they land.
Seal the Ends
As soon as the tree is down, paint the cut ends of the logs with a dedicated end-grain sealer (like anchorseal) or leftover latex paint. This prevents the wood from drying too fast and cracking.
Find a Sawyer (Portable Sawmill)
Find a professional! If you find one, ask if they can bring the sawmill to your driveway. Ask how much they charge. An alternative is to check with your local lumber yards. Ask will they take your logs, mill them, and either give you the lumber or share the yield with you?
The Drying Process
Fresh cut trees are considered green and full of moisture. You can't use them immediately. You'll have to wait, i.e., one year of drying per inch of thickness. You must stack and stick the lumber, layering the boards with small spacers between them to allow airflow. Otherwise, find a kiln service. This process is quicker (about a few weeks).
Beware of Oak Wilt or Emeral Ash Borer. Check with local regulations. Moving infected wood across county lines is illegal to prevent the spread of pests. Check to make sure milling and kiln drying kills the larvae and makes wood safe to use.
The image was created using Gemini AI. This blog post is for information only. I am not a professional Tree Service Company.
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