I passed up on a wood score. It feels dirty to repeat, but I did it. I've got a tree service contact that has hooked me up pretty good over the last few months with a truckload each of Apple and cherry, and two heavy loads of black walnut. Earlier in the year he set me up with four loads of Norway maple, that I split out with a neighbor in need. In return, I've helped him out by taking pine from time to time for him since it's dang near impossible to give away up here where old Yankee "wisdom" about chimney fires prevails. He called the other day and put me on a maple down in a former client's back yard. Sadly, I had to turn it down. When I went to check it out, I found that not only does this thing have a half rotten limb sticking 20 feet in the air (at least 24" where it meets the tree, and crooked as all get out), but the trunk is just about chest high with it laying on the ground. Given adequate time, I could probably figure it out.. But hanging out destroying this nicely manicured lawn with a couple BMWs parked out front just seems like a non starter for this silver maple. Risk/effort/reward just wasn't there. I will go say 20 Hail Stihls and collect some knotty, sappy white pine in penance. Thank you for hearing my confession.
Passing up on free wood....30 lashings with a green twig for you.... Seriously though, under those conditions I would have passed on that offer too. Like you said, the Risk/Benefit ratio is just to high. Good call
Ya you did great by saying no. Here in my part of the world folks who drive new beamers and have nicely manicured lawns, are not to fun to deal with.
Can't blame you on passing that one BigPapi. Those kinds of people can be a pain, always looking over your shoulder making sure you don't break any blades of grass!
No they are not! BigPapi You did the right thing. Its hard to cut that up and NOT make a huge mess. Could have been worse that you got it and didn't see the rot until you cut into it. Nice warning for you if it were.
We are good. I started after work this evening on a set of three white pines he took down and blocked up for me. I don't really need the pine, but another five or six truckloads won't kill me, (I will eventually get around to processing and burning it..) and taking it really keeps me in his good graces. He even offered a case of beer for the help! I'm not usually one to turn down a free drink, but I said "no thanks, just keep me in the loop next time you get some more hot stuff!" He is a good dude.
Im so far ahead with my stock pile, I have become a wood snob. I will go anywhere and anytime for Hickory, Pecan and White Oak. Cherry, Red Oak and Locust are close behind. All others have to be convenient or helping someone.
Well we all make mistakes BigPapi... I posted a thread like this last year, because I was feeling guilty about passing on a monster red maple basically right across the street. It would have probably been enough firewood for a year. Folks seem to have let you off easier than me; they were ready to strip my FHC rights and even revoke my man card! Somebody ended up paying him for it, so I ended up with second prize - two ash trees worth about a cord, for "free". *** Regarding your situation, it reminds me of a bit of another horror story I've heard, and I just mention it as a cautionary tale. It may not apply to your situation. The fellow was running cleanup for a tree crew sorta like you, and the boss realized he kind of had him over a barrel. Gradually it went from just picking up rounds, and then cutting up the trees too, and finally having to do most of the limbing and brush cleanup as well. It got to the point where the guy was harassing him to get over to xyz job and finish up so he could get paid, but this fellow was working for "free"! (That's a one-finger salute) Anyway, there comes a point where it's just not worth it.
Holy smokes I know exactly what you mean by that!!! If that ever happens to you, just ask em "where's the dough bud?? I'm here to get the wood not clear your yard!"
If you don't know the homeowner, or something about what kind of people they are, working on their property can be iffy, Like tamarack said, finely manicure lawns................trouble.
