Tree Removal Service with Firewood Included: Save on Heating Costs This Winter

Have you ever paid for tree removal and watched perfectly good timber get hauled away as waste? In Melbourne, where heating bills are climbing and firewood prices are higher than ever, it can feel like a missed opportunity. That’s exactly why we now offer tree removal services with the option to keep the usable wood as firewood. It’s a simple way to save money and make the most of the trees already on your property.

If you use a wood heater, backyard fire pit, or even a pizza oven, this service could be more valuable than you realise. But not all “firewood-included” jobs turn out the way you’d expect. Some homeowners are left with oversized trunks they can’t move, or surprise charges for cutting once the job’s done. That’s why it’s so important to understand exactly what you’re getting.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• What our firewood-inclusive tree removal service actually includes
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
• Tips for choosing the right crew
• How to get the most value when you book

Tree Removal with Firewood Services

This is a practical option that more homeowners are asking for. Instead of hauling everything away, we leave behind logs that you can use for heating. You reduce waste and keep part of the tree that can still serve a purpose.

It is especially popular during late summer and autumn. People start thinking ahead to winter and want to build up their firewood supply without paying for delivery or splitting fees. With our service, they get firewood and tree removal in one job.

Many of our customers also appreciate the convenience of completing two tasks simultaneously. You do not need to book a second contractor or coordinate delivery. It is faster, cheaper, and you are not relying on someone else to drop off a wood pile in the middle of winter. If you are already paying for the tree to come down, it makes good sense to make full use of it.

Why ‘Firewood Included’ Might Cost You More Than You Think

When it comes to keeping the wood after a tree removal, it pays to be clear on exactly what you’re getting.

A recent 2025 forum post on ArboristSite, a well-known hub for tree care and firewood discussions, highlights this all too well.

In a thread titled “Remove tree and leave logs for firewood” (Jan 25, 2025), a homeowner shared the options they received from a tree removal company:

“I got three options:

1. Remove the tree and haul away logs and brush
2. Remove tree, haul away brush, leave logs for firewood (save $700)
3. Remove tree, leave all logs and brush (save $1200)
4. … I went with option #2. It specifically said ‘for firewood. ‘”

Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, they were soon frustrated when the removal crew planned to leave the entire trunk, uncut, making it nearly impossible to handle without heavy equipment. What was meant to be usable firewood turned into a costly clean-up.

This kind of experience is shockingly common, especially when customers assume that “leaving firewood” means the wood will be cut and ready to stack. On many jobs, it’s not—unless you request it.

The Lesson? Be Specific About Firewood Processing

Here’s what you can learn from that discussion:

• Don’t assume “firewood” means processed logs – some companies may leave you with oversized trunks and unsplit rounds.
• Clarify cut size – specify whether you want logs cut to fireplace-ready lengths (like 12-inch blocks).
• Confirm what’s included – is splitting provided? Will brush and off-cuts be removed?

That’s why our service stands out. At TLC Trees, if you opt to keep your firewood, we cut logs into foot-long blocks on-site, ready for drying and stacking. No ambiguity. No extra surprises.

You’ll get a professional crew, clear communication, and wood you can actually use, not a mountain of timber you’ll struggle to move.

Why Choose a Tree Removal Service That Includes Firewood?

Dual Benefits of Tree Clearing and Wood Harvesting

When we cut a tree down, there is often a large amount of good timber in the trunk and larger limbs. Instead of sending it to a tip or chipping it into mulch, we can cut it into log lengths for you.

This gives you:

• A cleared and safe yard
• A pile of free heating fuel
• One less delivery to organise later

You get two outcomes from one visit. We often say it is like getting a bonus from your removal service. One customer even said it felt like “buy one service, get another one free.” For us, it’s all about making the job more useful to you.

Economic Advantages for Homeowners

If you usually buy wood by the metre, you will notice the savings quickly. A large eucalypt can give you three or more cubic metres of burnable timber. Buying that from a supplier could cost $800 to $1,200 or more.

When we leave you those logs, the value stays in your pocket. We also offer different options:

• Cut and stack logs
• Cut to size and leave them in one spot
• Cut only main trunk logs and remove brush

You choose based on your needs and budget. One customer told us that he used the money he saved on firewood to install a more efficient flue system for his fireplace. Another family purchased a small log splitter to process their future loads. We even had someone use the savings to pay for their annual chimney sweep. Those are real, practical benefits that come from keeping the wood instead of paying for haul-away.

Understanding Tree Removal Costs and Savings

Average Costs of Traditional Tree Removal

Most tree removals in Melbourne cost between $800 and $3,500. Factors that affect price include:

• Tree height
• Trunk thickness
• How close it is to houses or fences
• Equipment needed (e.g. climbers, cranes, traffic management)
• Whether you want logs removed

Full-service removal (including tree, logs, brush, and stump) is the most expensive option. It takes more labour and multiple trips. You are paying not just for the cut-down, but also for transport, fuel, and tipping fees.

How Bundled Firewood Services Reduce Heating Bills

By choosing to keep the firewood, you lower your heating costs later. Here is an example from one of our clients:

• Tree removal: $2,400 (with haul away)
• Tree removal: $1,700 (logs left, brush removed)
• Saved firewood value: $1,000

That is a total saving of $1,700 between reduced removal fees and avoided firewood purchase.

If you heat your home even part-time with wood, this makes a big difference. Gas and electricity bills continue to rise in Melbourne, especially during long winters. Having your pile of hardwood ready to split and season can ease that pressure. It is a smart move if you are already spending on tree work.

Types of Firewood Typically Included

Hardwood vs Softwood: What’s Best for Heating?

In Melbourne, most trees we remove are hardwoods. That is a big plus for firewood. Hardwoods burn more slowly and release more heat. That means less topping up and more hours of warmth.

Some of the hardwood species we regularly leave behind for firewood include:

• Red gum
• Ironbark
• Yellow box
• Stringybark
• Sugar gum

These are heavy, dense timbers, ideal for winter fires. They split well and last through long, cold nights. On the other hand, softwoods like pine are lighter and easier to split, but they burn fast. You will go through a stack much quicker, and they tend to spark more.

If you are unsure of the tree species, we will identify it for you. We can advise whether it is worth keeping for firewood, or better chipped for mulch or taken away.

Seasoned vs Green Wood: Know the Difference

All wood cut during tree removal is green. That means it is fresh and still contains moisture. Burning green wood is a bad idea. It smokes, burns unevenly, and leaves thick residue in your flue.

To season firewood properly:

• Stack it off the ground
• Allow airflow between logs
• Protect it from direct rain
• Store it for 6 to 12 months

Some clients ask if we can leave only the best parts of the trunk to help with seasoning. Yes, we can. We always aim to cut the logs into manageable sizes so you can split and dry them at home.

If you want fast results, we can recommend a local splitter and even show you how to tell if your wood is ready. Seasoned wood has cracks at the ends, sounds hollow when knocked, and feels noticeably lighter.

Environmental Benefits of Local Firewood Usage

Reducing Carbon Footprint Through Local Sourcing

One of the hidden benefits of using your tree for firewood is the reduction in transportation costs. Every delivery of store-bought firewood involves fuel, handling, and packaging.

By keeping your timber, you:

• Avoid transport emissions
• Reduce demand for commercial logging
• Use what is already there

It is the most sustainable choice. The tree was already due for removal. Now it provides heat, not just waste.

Recycling Tree Waste into Usable Fuel

When we leave logs behind, you are getting more than fuel. You are giving that tree a second life. Some of our clients have used off-cuts for:

• Garden borders
• Firewood racks
• Playgrounds
• Raised veggie beds
• Furniture projects

We love seeing that. It means less waste and more use. We can even leave the stump high if you plan to turn it into a garden table or feature.

Safety and Compliance in Tree Removal Services

Licensing and Insurance Considerations

Tree work can be dangerous. We have full public liability insurance, and every climber and ground crew member on our team is fully qualified. We carry:

• Chainsaw and aerial rigging tickets
• First aid certification
• OH&S compliance training

We also work with local councils and power companies when permits or notifications are needed. Never hire a crew without checking insurance and credentials. You do not want to be liable for damage or injury.

Ensuring Safe Wood Storage Practices

How you store your logs matters. We always advise our customers to:

• Keep woodpiles at least one metre from buildings
• Raise logs on bricks, pallets, or sleepers
• Avoid storing near timber decks or fences
• Cover the top, not the sides (airflow is key)

Improper storage attracts termites, mould, or rot. One of our customers stored their green wood against a shed wall. Six months later, they found moisture damage in the cladding. We always ensure that people have a good, dry spot ready.

Best Seasons to Book Tree Removal with Firewood Offers

Planning for Winter Savings

You get the most value by booking early. Autumn is ideal. That gives you time to:

• Split and stack logs
• Season the wood properly
• Save on peak season pricing

If you call us in May, your firewood will be dry enough by the next cold snap. Trying to book in July or August often means delays, higher costs, and wet wood.

Some customers even plan removals a year in advance so they have a steady rotation of seasoned logs.

How to Choose a Reliable Tree Removal Service with Firewood Included

Not every arborist offers firewood as part of their removal services. Ask these specific questions:

• Will you cut logs to fireplace size (30–40 cm)?
• Will you stack or just drop them?
• Do you take away the smaller branches?
• Is there an extra charge for leaving wood behind?

The clearer the quote, the fewer the surprises. One client told us another company said they would “leave logs,” but left four huge trunk rounds they couldn’t move. We make sure our customers know exactly what’s being left and how to use it.

Customer Reviews and Local Reputation

We get most of our jobs through word of mouth. People like to know someone has had a good experience before they book. Check:

• Google reviews
• Local Facebook groups
• Council contractor lists

We are always happy to share recent references. Our customers often mention how clean the site is, how easy it is to stack the firewood, and how much they save by keeping the logs on site.

DIY vs Professional Tree Removal: A Practical Comparison

Time, Tools, and Safety Considerations

We have seen many DIY jobs go sideways. One customer attempted to cut down a leaning tree with a hired chainsaw. It kicked back, they dropped it, and it crushed their garden shed. They then called us to finish the job.

Professional tree removal includes:

• Climbing harnesses
• Drop zone control
• Chainsaws with safety gear
• Tree physics knowledge

Even small trees can behave unpredictably. DIY might feel cheaper upfront, but the risk is not worth it.

Cost Breakdown of DIY vs Hiring Experts

DIY might look cheaper, but let’s break it down:

• Chainsaw hire: $100–$150 per day
• Safety gear: $300–$500
• Dump fees: $200+
• Weekend labour: 2–3 full days

Add the risk, and it often ends up more expensive. We can usually remove a tree and leave the logs in place within six hours, with minimal stress to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you split the logs?

No. We cut to manageable rounds unless splitting is specifically added to the quote.

Can I burn the wood straight away?

No. It needs to dry. Burning green wood wastes energy and creates smoke.

What happens to the smaller branches?

We chip them and haul them away, unless you’d like to use them as mulch for your garden.

Can I ask for specific sizes?

Yes, within reason. Just let us know your fireplace or wood heater specs.

What if I change my mind and want the logs removed later?

No problem. We can return for an extra charge to haul them away.

Conclusion: Maximise Your Winter Comfort and Savings

Tree removal with firewood included makes sense financially and practically. Instead of watching useful timber hauled away, you can turn it into heating fuel, garden features, or even seating.

At TLC Trees, we ensure you receive clear options, no surprises, and full value from your job. We have helped dozens of families across Melbourne reduce their heating costs and make smarter use of their yards.

If you’re considering removing a tree, please let us know. We can help you plan, stay warm, and save money one log at a time.