What Happens to Waste After Tree Work?
One of the most common questions we get asked after carrying out tree work is: “What happens to all the branches, logs and woodchip?”
The simple answer is that nothing goes to waste.
At Simpson Arboriculture, we operate a 100% recycling policy for all timber and green waste generated through our tree surgery, forestry and arboricultural work. Every load of wood and woodchip is processed and put to good use, ensuring that valuable natural resources are never unnecessarily sent to landfill.
Woodchip: a valuable resource
When we carry out tree work, smaller branches and brash are processed through our woodchippers, producing woodchip.
Rather than disposing of this material, we recycle it in several ways.
A significant proportion of our woodchip is dried and used as biomass fuel in our own boilers. These boilers provide renewable heat for our firewood drying operations.
We also supply woodchip to other biomass users who utilise it as a sustainable fuel source.
In addition, woodchip is popular with customers for:
- Garden mulch and landscaping projects
- Weed suppression around planting areas
- Chicken runs and poultry enclosures
- Equestrian areas and horse paddocks
- Pathways and outdoor surfaces
This means that even the smallest branches from a tree can continue to provide value long after the work has been completed.
From waste wood to firewood
Larger sections of timber are carefully processed into firewood logs.
Rather than being discarded, suitable timber is processed and dried to create high-quality firewood for our log customers. This allows us to make full use of the material generated through tree work while providing a sustainable heating fuel.
Fuel for our kiln-drying process
Not all timber is suitable for producing firewood logs, but that doesn’t mean it goes to waste.
Lower-grade timber and offcuts are used as fuel within our biomass heating system. The heat generated powers our log drying kiln, which dries our firewood to the high standards our customers expect.
This creates a highly efficient circular process, where material generated through tree work helps to fuel the production of ready-to-burn firewood.
A truly circular approach
Our recycling process ensures that every part of the tree is utilised:
- Woodchip is used for biomass fuel, landscaping, poultry and equestrian applications.
- Quality timber is processed into firewood logs.
- Lower-grade timber and offcuts are used as fuel for our biomass boilers.
- The heat generated helps dry our firewood in our kiln.
As a result, we achieve 100% recycling of the timber and green waste produced through our operations.
Sustainable tree care
Responsible tree management doesn’t end when the work is complete.
By investing in biomass heating, firewood production and sustainable recycling methods, we’re able to ensure that every tree we process continues to provide value. Whether it’s heating homes, producing renewable energy, improving gardens or supporting local businesses, the material from tree work can provide another use.
When you choose Simpson Arboriculture, you can be confident that your tree waste won’t be wasted at all. Instead, it becomes part of a sustainable recycling process that makes the most of every branch, log and woodchip produced.
