The towering trees that grace Markham’s neighbourhoods are a vital part of the city’s ecosystem. But sometimes, due to disease, safety concerns, or construction projects, tree removal sometimes becomes necessary. While the removal itself is a crucial step, what happens to the wood afterwards is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the environment.
Disposing of your trash responsibly is always a concern, and simply throwing away your tree trimmings and wood isn’t an eco-friendly solution. Thankfully, Markham residents have a wealth of options for giving their fallen trees a new life. Check out this simple guide to explore sustainable ways to reuse or recycle wood after tree removal in Markham.
Assessing the Wood
Before diving into specific options, it’s important to assess the wood itself. Here are some factors to consider:
Species
Different tree species have varying degrees of hardness, durability, and rot resistance. Hardwoods like oak and maple are excellent for furniture making or firewood, while softer woods like pine may be better suited for mulch.
Condition
Is the wood healthy and free from disease or insect infestation? The presence of rot or pests can limit its potential uses.
Size and Shape
Large, thick pieces can be milled into lumber, while smaller branches might be ideal for firewood or crafts.
By understanding the qualities of your wood, it’ll be easier to choose the most appropriate eco-friendly option.
Repurposing the Wood Yourself
For the DIY enthusiast, there’s a sense of accomplishment and environmental responsibility that comes with repurposing the wood yourself. Here are some creative ideas:
Firewood
Seasoned wood from hardwoods like maple, oak, or ash makes excellent firewood, providing a sustainable and efficient way to heat your home during the colder months.
Furniture Making
Thicker pieces of wood with unique character can be transformed into beautiful and functional furniture. Coffee tables, benches, or even small shelves can be crafted with basic carpentry skills.
Garden Features
Sturdy branches can be used to create raised garden beds or edging. Smaller pieces can be chipped for decorative mulch or used to build pathways.
Woodworking Projects
Wood with interesting grains or textures can be used for smaller DIY woodworking projects like cutting boards, birdhouses, or decorative signs.
Finding Someone to Repurpose the Wood
If DIY isn’t your forte, there are plenty of people and organizations in Markham happy to take your wood and give it a second life. Consider these options:
Arborists
Many professional tree service companies offer woodmilling services, turning your fallen tree into usable lumber. This lumber can then be sold or used for personal projects.
Woodworking Schools or Hobbyists
Woodworking schools and hobbyists may be interested in purchasing or accepting wood donations for their projects. This provides valuable material for students and keeps the wood out of landfills.
Furniture Makers
Local furniture makers often use reclaimed wood to create unique pieces. Contacting local artisans could lead to your wood being transformed into a beautiful and sustainable piece of furniture.
Community Woodworking Shops
Markham has several community woodworking shops that provide tools and space for members to work on projects. Donating your wood could benefit other community members and foster creativity.
Eco-Friendly Wood Disposal
When it comes to eco-friendly wood disposal after tree removal in Markham, there are several options beyond curbside collection and wood chipping services. Here’s a deeper dive into some lesser-known yet impactful approaches:
Wood Recycling Facilities
These specialized facilities accept various types of wood waste, including lumber, plywood, and even treated wood (with limitations). The wood is then sorted, processed, and transformed into new products like mulch, particleboard, or even biofuels. Researching local wood recycling facilities can ensure your wood gets a new lease on life in a sustainable way.
Community Reforestation Projects
Many organizations in Markham are dedicated to urban forestry and reforestation efforts. Contacting these groups might reveal opportunities to donate your wood for use in building structures like nature trails, wildlife shelters, or even park benches. This option allows your tree to directly contribute to the growth and health of Markham’s urban forests.
Online Marketplaces
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji can be a great way to connect with individuals or businesses looking for reclaimed wood. This approach keeps the wood local, reduces transportation emissions, and allows for creative reuse by skilled craftspeople or artists.
Fuel Banks or Shelters
Seasoned, split wood can be a valuable resource for fuel banks or shelters that provide heating assistance to low-income families. Donating your wood to such organizations ensures it gets used for a social good while keeping homes warm during the winter months.
Biochar Production
This innovative approach involves converting wood waste into a charcoal-like substance called biochar. Biochar has a range of applications, including improving soil fertility, filtering water, and even capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. While biochar production facilities might not be readily available in Markham, researching this option might lead you to participate in a pilot program or connect with a company offering biochar creation services.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Wood Disposal
When it comes to eco-friendly wood disposal, there are more benefits than helping the environment. Choosing an eco-friendly option for your tree removal wood also offers a variety of benefits, including:
Reduction of Landfill Waste
Landfills are reaching capacity, and diverting wood waste helps to conserve space and resources.
Creation of Sustainable Products
Repurposed wood reduces the demand for virgin lumber, protecting forests and promoting sustainability.
Saving Money
Repurposing wood for firewood or using wood chipping services can be more cost-effective than traditional disposal methods.
Supporting Local Businesses
Choosing local businesses for woodmilling, furniture making, or chipping services keeps money circulating within the community.
Promotion of Creativity
Repurposing wood allows for creative projects and the creation of unique pieces.
Tree removal in Markham doesn’t have to mean the end of a valuable resource. By considering the eco-friendly options available, residents can give their fallen trees a new life while contributing to a more sustainable future. Removing a tree can be an emotional experience, as certain residents in Kelowna, BC might tell you. However, by choosing eco-friendly options for wood disposal, you can ensure that your tree continues to contribute to the environment in some way. Whether it’s providing warmth through firewood, becoming a piece of beautiful furniture, or creating a haven for wildlife, there are many ways to give your fallen tree a new life and a lasting legacy. Keep these ideas in mind to ensure you always have an eco-friendly means of disposing of your leftover wood.
When it comes to proper tree care, it pays to have a reliable arborist in your corner. At Dave Lund Tree Service & Forestry Co. Ltd., we offer a wide range of services to help homeowners care for their trees. We have over 40 years of experience, ranging from tree removal to pest control, to help our clients give their trees the TLC they deserve. Give us a call now at (905) 884-0511 for a helping hand with all matters tree-related.