I usually cringe when I hear that phrase directed at me. Anyone who knows me, knows that I do not need any firewood what so ever, so what it really means is "will you deal with this tree/wood for me?". 99/100 times I'm going to decline and reference someone I know who may be interested BUT....this is a neighbor. Good man, mid to late 80s. Fairly worn out but spends time in the yard doing things and in his little shop working on push mowers and whatnot for people. I already knew the pile in question. Punky silver maple that the powerline guys had taken down. Yay! lol. So after I get through with what I wanted to get done, I headed down to the end of his driveway and loaded up what I could by hand. Still 8 or 9 butt pieces that I'll have to either use a loader (don't want to tear up his yard) or get them busted with a maul so I can get them into the buggy bed. I dumped the load I got next to my burn pile. It will be useful in helping to burn up some green stuff I have been clearing. I have to reference an old Hank Jr song in regards to these little PITAs we help our neighbors out with.
Dang, I'd jump all over a pile of Silver right now...I have very little...love burning it...burns so hot...works so good in a mixed load!
I've burned some before. This stuff is past it's best use by date though for sure. That's why the line guys took it down. Wasn't a matter of if, but when it would fall on the line.
I have a silver in my yard that's fully 4' across the base. Needs to come down. That will be firewood for two or three years from now, if I can keep it from going punky on me.
He would never solicit help if he were able to do it for himself. I hope to reach his age one day (and still be able to get around), and hope that someone will be willing to lend me a hand now & again. I gave him some nice dry oak out of my personal stash last fall to burn in his fireplace. He doesn't use wood for primary heat, but enjoys a nice fire, like we all do on a cold day. Most of the load I gave him is still sitting under his covered porch in a ring rack. If he needs more, it has already been offered to him.
Sounds like a great mutualism set up here. At least he has you for a bit of wood trade and worked to both of your favors.
