Say so at the visit
The decision belongs to you, and it is much easier on the day of the visit than the day of the job. Tell the arborist how much you want, where the crew can put it and whether you have a place to stack it. The estimate is free.
Large trunks, branches and brush are different jobs. Some wood is not worth keeping, such as rotted or diseased wood, and the EPA lists wet, rotted, diseased or moldy wood among what not to burn.
Green wood is not firewood yet
The EPA says wood burns best at a moisture content under 20 percent and advises seasoning wood for at least six months. Properly seasoned wood is darker, lighter in weight and sounds hollow when hit against another piece. A moisture meter is the surest check.
Burning green wood makes smoke and builds deposits in the chimney. Our guide on how to season and stack firewood covers the drying.
Where to keep it, and what not to do
Keep the stack away from the house. In wildfire country the UNR Extension guide says firewood belongs at least 30 feet from any structure; see woodpiles next to the house.
If you do not want the wood, we can haul it off, and our guide on what happens to the wood and chips explains the choices. We do not publish delivery or hauling terms, so ask the office. Firewood we sell is a separate matter: call 775.232.8243 for availability and pricing.
If you keep the wood, the species and condition matter. Our crews can tell you at the visit what the tree is and whether the wood looks sound. We do not promise a quantity or a cut length until the arborist sees the tree.
Sources
- US EPA Burn Wise: Best Wood Burning Practices (read October 17, 2026)
- University of Nevada, Reno Extension: Living With Fire Defensible Space Guide (SP-23-07, PDF) (read October 17, 2026)