I Have a Large Tree to Remove. Does the Wood Have Great Value?
If you’ve got a large tree coming down, you might be thinking… “Can I sell the wood and make back some of the removal cost?”
It’s a smart question—and one we hear all the time. The truth is, some trees do have valuable wood, but most residential removals don’t end in big payouts. Let’s break down when wood is worth something—and when it’s just firewood.
What Factors Determine the Value of Tree Wood?
Not all wood is created equal. Here are the main things that affect whether your tree is worth anything beyond mulch:
Tree Species
Certain trees, like black walnut, cherry, or oak, can be valuable to sawmills or woodworkers. In fact, urban lumber programs highlight how salvaged hardwoods can be repurposed into artisan products with long-term value.Size & Straightness
Logs need to be large, straight, and free of major defects to be worth milling. Crooked or heavily branched trees are typically not usable.Condition of the Tree
Rot, storm damage, or embedded metal (like nails, screws, or wire) will disqualify a log from being milled. According to experts, even slight defects can drastically reduce value.Access & Location
A tree deep in your backyard with no road access? That makes it harder and more expensive for anyone to harvest and haul, reducing its value.
Are There Buyers for Residential Tree Wood?
Sometimes, but it’s rare.
Most lumber mills want consistent, high-volume logs—not a one-off tree from a suburban lot.
You might find a local woodworker or hobbyist interested if the tree is a desirable species and easily accessible, but that’s not the norm. A Reddit discussion offers a good real-world perspective: “Fir and pine aren’t worth much… harvesting usually only makes sense in larger volume.”
So… Can I Sell My Tree for Lumber?
Here’s a quick checklist to see if it’s even worth pursuing:
✅ Is your tree a high-value hardwood like walnut, white oak, or cherry?
✅ Is the trunk long, straight, and over 12 inches in diameter?
✅ Is it in good condition (no rot, nails, or metal)?
✅ Can equipment access it easily?
If you answered yes to all four, there might be interest.
Purdue Extension estimates hardwood logs may be worth $0.40–$3.00 per board-foot, depending on quality. You can call local sawmills or post in community groups to check. But again—don’t expect to make a profit.
What Can I Do with the Wood Instead?
Here are a few ways homeowners make use of downed trees:
Cut and stack as firewood (we can help leave it in burnable sizes)
Turn it into mulch or wood chips
Save a slab for a woodworking project (some families turn stumps into keepsakes)
Offer it for free on local marketplaces to save on disposal costs
For some, preserving even a small piece of the tree is more meaningful than any cash value. Urban wood movements show the potential for creating community value from tree removal when done thoughtfully.
Can the Tree Company Sell the Wood for Me?
Usually, no. Most tree service companies (including ours) focus on removal and cleanup. We’re not in the logging business, and transporting one-off logs to a buyer isn’t cost-effective.
That said, if we think the tree has significant value, we’ll let you know—and help you explore your options.
In most residential cases, the wood from a large tree has little to no resale value. While some species can be worth something, condition, access, and size all play a big role. Still, there are smart ways to reuse or recycle the wood—and we’re happy to talk through those with you during your quote.
Have a big tree to remove?
Let’s talk it through.
📅 Schedule Your Free Estimate
📞 Or call us today—we’re happy to help. 248-710-2172