At Hentges Tree Service, we believe trees have a purpose even after we remove them. Rather than sending your tree to the landfill, you can repurpose, or upcycle the remains. It is true that not all trees can be reused. If a tree has been damaged by a disease or pest infestation, many of the things suggested below are not applicable. We can advise you as to how to dispose of these tree remains to reduce transmission. However, if limbs need to be trimmed for the health of the tree, or the tree must be removed because of its placement, there are several things that one can do with the remnants.
Firewood
One of the more obvious uses for discarded trees is firewood. This simple process requires hiring someone to split the wood or the homeowner splitting it themselves. A splitter is easier than an axe and can often be rented for a day or more from a local hardware or rental store. To prepare the wood for burning, you can either have the wood kiln-dried or season the wood naturally. It usually takes around 6-8 months for it to dry on its own. When it is dry, it can be used in a fireplace, fire pit, grill, etc. Hardwoods like oak or walnut work better than softer woods like cedar or pine.
Lumber
You could have the wood milled for lumber. This can add a personal touch to whatever you’re building, it can save money, and you can get custom dimensions and species of wood. Live edge lumber is a possible benefit, as it is a desirable home décor trend right now. You can also get book-matched lumber sawn. Book-matched lumber is lumber that is milled from the same tree sequentially so that when you place two pieces side by side, they mirror each other. It’s like opening a book and seeing the identical image on each side. It does require quite a bit of planning, to make sure you have the correct amount of milled lumber to accommodate the project you’ve selected.
Mulch
One of the best things you can do with your remaining trees or segments is turn them into mulch. Aid your landscape plants, including trees, by spreading a layer of organic mulch around them. Woodchips protect soil from erosion, insulate to regulate temperature, preserve moisture, decorate, enrich and/or discourage weed growth. Woodchips can be used in other places in your yard as well, such as under playground equipment or on a pathway. When you have a tree cut down, Hentges will automatically grind it into woodchips. The customer is welcome to the woodchips created onsite if they have sufficient space to pile them. Just be sure you do have enough space – a tree creates far more chips than you might expect!
Upcycle
Of course, there are numerous artistic uses for upcycled trees. They can be turned into beautiful household items like coasters, cutting boards, or candle holders. They can be carved into sculptures, whittled into walking sticks, the leaves can be pressed and framed as art. Trees can be cut into rounds and used like pavers or decorative furniture. The imaginative possibilities are endless.
Trees have been manipulated for generations, for an incalculable array of different uses. The trees you use for shade today could be used for your grandchildren’s bookshelves or tables. Contact Hentges today if you have a tree that needs to be removed, and we will help find the best way to repurpose it. Just because it’s no longer planted in your yard, doesn’t mean it’s useless. Hentges is happy to remove trees carefully and efficiently, minimizing waste and maximizing utility. Contact us today to receive a free quote for tree removal and expert advice on what to do with the tree after removal.
