A question regarding how to approach folks with requests for wood.

Kevin, I would tell them I see your problem, and I am willing to help remove the tree for some of the wood because I have a lathe and sure could use it. If it is the kind of wood you would like to have all of it tell them you will make them a bowl from the tree for the tree. Glenn Hodges Nashville, GA

Always a good start. I increase the immediate quid pro quo with strangers by offering to exchange two for one firewood. Lots of people burn wood around here, so it's sweet at both ends.

Kevin, A COC's downer and I hope it doesn't apply to your area, but in S. Fl the first thing would be to assure them that they aren't responsible for injuries to yourself or helpers. Sorry to hear about your bad weather. People here think about moving to avoid hurricanes and wildfires, but then there are fuel bills, tornados, noreasters, earthquakes, etc. etc. etc. :)

Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter

Hi Kevin

Just be candid and forthright, tell them you would like the wood for your turning hobby, and are willing to clean up the tree for that for them, and yes as Arch suggest make sure they know that you take all responsibilities for any and all mishaps etc to you and any helpers.

You can always still offer if needed or willing, to make a bowl or other turning from the wood for them.

Most people like to know the why and understand the reason for you asking to clean up the tree, and even if they have a use for that wood are willing to let you have some of it.

That would probably be my way of approaching it.

Have fun and take care Leo Van Der Loo

I just go to the door and ask if I may have some. I got some very nice box elder burl a few years ago that way, and when a neighbor lost an elm limb I rang the bell and asked if they wanted me to bring the chainsaw over and take care of it for them.

If you don't ask, you get nothing. If you do, the worst they can say is "no."

I also post an ad on our local for sale groups once or twice a year offering to take down small to medium trees in exchange for the wood. I've got some really nice fruit wood that way.

djb

"Dave Balderstone" wrote: (clip) I would like some of the wood from the trees that blew down for my lathe work but feel a bit like a vulture going over and asking. (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ It's not only how you ask, but how you feel while asking. There are subtle parts of non-verbal communication that will affect how you are received. Sometimes it is a matter of timing, or posture, or the expression on your face. The fact that you would feel like a vulture may be your inner self telling you that the timing is wrong. It also depends on how your neighbor perceives you. If you have always been on friendly terms, smiling and waving as you pass. and looking over each other's pets or plants at vacation time, there is not going to be a problem. OTOH, if you have always acted like strangers. and in the middle of their trouble you appear and ask for wood, well, you see what I mean.

I have never had any problems with the ;"Hey, can I have some pieces of your firewood and I will make you some bowls?" approach. The responce is help yourself, because we are just going to burn it. I once had a lady break into tears when I gave her a bowl from her tree. It was an exceptional bowl, and the tree was precious to her. robo hippy

I did not write that. Please quote correctly.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Sorry, Dave. I meant to quote Kevin, the OP.

What evryone else said and to add to RH's comments make sure thay know that it Will Not go up the chimney and that they Will Have something handmade to remember the tree.

No worries.

And make every effort possible to follow through with your offer! I have run into several people with a tree down or wood available who have related that so'n'so said he'd bring them a bowl last year when they took down some other tree but that was the last they heard of him. You will do no future turners any favors and will have to live with the guilt if you don't do as your promised.

He could make wooden skeet for you.

Trees have been long-time friends for many people. Gave an elm salad bowl to the 85-year old woman next farm north that had been made from one of her trees, and she loved it. Missed the shade, but loved the bowl.

Made a bunch from one of a trio of old poplars growing north of my garden, only to have a visit from the gentleman who had lived here during the depression - and planted the poplars.

Good memories too.

I can just hear it! LOL

My evening jog took me past the house with the large tree (maple). The owner had just pulled in and was on the phone talking to the bldg. contractor. I didn't have time to do more than introduce myself and we both agreed to speak some more later. Another neighbor (fellow flatwood worker who showed me a nice piece of African Blackwood- dang that is some heavy wood) mentioned that he had spoken to neighbor #1 and heard that it was gonna cost about $4 - $5k to remove the tree. Now the tree has been uprooted vcompletely and is lying on its side. The quote seemed a bit excessive. I really doubt I will have much trouble getting permission to score a bit of the windfall. Thanks for all the suggestions.