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Logs and firewood from local tree surgeons

Many tree surgeons season and sell logs from their own tree work. Dry wood burns hotter and cleaner, and in England the law sets a 20% moisture limit for small loads.

A wood-burning stove alight in a brick fireplace, with split logs stacked either side
Photo: Matt Seymour on Unsplash

Firms that do logs & firewood, by town

Services are as each firm describes them on its own website. 24/7 firms are listed first; the order isn't a ranking.

The Ready to Burn rules

Since 1 May 2021, wood sold in England in quantities under 2 cubic metres must be certified Ready to Burn, meaning a moisture content of 20% or less. It must carry the Ready to Burn logo and a certification number, either on the bag or label or, for loose deliveries, on the paperwork. Larger loads of 2 cubic metres or more can be sold wetter, but they must come with a notice telling you to dry the wood before burning. The firewood scheme is run by Woodsure, appointed by Defra (HETAS runs the equivalent scheme for manufactured fuels). See GOV.UK: selling wood for domestic use.

Hardwood or softwood?

Hardwoods such as ash, oak, beech, birch and fruit wood are dense and burn longer, so they suit wood burners. Softwoods such as pine, spruce and larch light quickly and burn hot but fast, which makes them good kindling. Most local logs from tree surgery are a mix, which is fine as long as they are dry. Wood from trees felled because of ash dieback burns well once seasoned.

Seasoned, kiln-dried or wet?

  • Seasoned logs are split and air-dried. Freshly felled hardwood usually needs around two years (the government's notice for large loads says at least two years). Softwood and small split pieces can be quicker.
  • Kiln-dried logs are dried in a kiln to a guaranteed low moisture content.
  • Wet or green logs straight from felling are cheaper but must be stacked and dried at home for a year or more. Burning them creates smoke and tar, damages stoves and chimneys, and wastes most of the heat.

A cheap moisture meter, pushed into a freshly split face of a log, tells you whether wood is ready. You're looking for 20% or below.

Buying a load

  • Ask for the volume in cubic metres and whether it's measured loose or stacked. A loose-tipped load contains less wood than the same volume stacked.
  • Ask for the Ready to Burn certification number on loads under 2 cubic metres.
  • Check the log length suits your stove.
  • Store logs off the ground, covered on top but open at the sides so air can circulate.

Christmas trees

A few tree surgeons and woodland owners also sell Christmas trees in December, often from their own plantations. Ask whether a tree is freshly cut and UK-grown, and look out for the Tenbury Wells holly and mistletoe auctions, which sell Christmas trees too.

Never burn painted, treated or pallet wood indoors. If you live in a smoke control area, you can only burn wood in a Defra-exempt appliance.

Questions

Is it illegal to sell wet logs?

In England, wood sold in quantities under 2 cubic metres must be certified Ready to Burn, with a moisture content of 20% or less. Larger loads can be sold wet, but must come with a notice explaining they need drying before use.

What is the best firewood for a wood burner?

Dry hardwood such as ash, oak, beech or birch, with a moisture content of 20% or less. Softwood is useful for kindling and lighting.

How long do logs take to season?

Freshly felled hardwood usually needs around two years under cover with good airflow; softwood and small split pieces can be quicker. A moisture meter on a freshly split face shows when it is below 20% and ready.

How much is a load of logs?

Load sizes vary between sellers, so compare prices per cubic metre and check whether the volume is measured loose or stacked.

How to choose a tree surgeon

  • Insurance: ask to see a public liability certificate (the Arboricultural Association recommends at least £5m), and employers' liability, which is a legal requirement if they have staff.
  • Qualifications: chainsaw and climbing work should be done by people holding NPTC (City & Guilds) or Lantra certificates. Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor status is a stronger check.
  • A written quote: it should say exactly what will be cut, whether the stump is ground out, and whether waste and logs are taken away.
  • Standards: ask whether the work will follow BS 3998, the British Standard for tree work.
  • Protected trees: a good firm will check for a TPO or conservation area and can make the application. See our TPO guide.

Listings show what each firm says it offers. We don't check insurance or qualifications, so ask for proof before you hire. How we list firms.