FreeWood

How it works, FAQs, community support, terms of use, and liability.

Quick links: How it works · FAQ · Support · Terms · Liability

1. How FreeWood works

FreeWood connects arborists and tree crews with local people who need firewood or timber — and keeps usable wood out of landfill.

Step 1: Surplus timber on the job

When arborists prune, remove, or clear trees, they often end up with surplus logs, rounds, and branch wood. Hauling that away or paying tip fees costs time, fuel, and money.

Step 2: List a drop

Instead of tipping it, arborists list a clean wood drop on FreeWood — usually a roadside collection point, footpath drop zone, or agreed private property point — with a map pin and photo.

Step 3: Collectors pick it up

Locals browse the map, drive to the pin, and collect the wood for personal use — free of charge. First in, best dressed. Pick-up only; no deliveries.

Who does what

• Arborists / tree services: Save tip fees and travel. Post an accurate pin and only list wood that is safe, clean, and placed legally.
• Collectors / residents: Get free timber nearby. Load safely, collect promptly, and follow local council rules.
• FreeWood: A digital noticeboard matching local supply with local demand, with clear safety guidelines.

2. Frequently asked questions

General

Is the wood really free?
Yes. Wood listed on FreeWood is free. Arborists list it to avoid disposal costs and keep timber out of landfill.

Who can collect?
Members of the public can collect listed wood for personal use, as long as they follow safety guidelines, local bylaws, and any private-property rules that apply.

For collectors

Do I need to contact the arborist first?
Usually no for roadside “first come, first served” drops. Go to the pin, load safely, and take the wood. If a listing mentions hours or other instructions, follow those.

What should I bring?
Your own loading gear: gloves, eye protection, straps, and a suitable vehicle or trailer. Where local laws allow, cutting tools are your responsibility. Arborists do not help with loading.

What if the wood is already gone?
That happens. Free drops move fast. Check the map often. SMS alerts are coming soon.

For arborists

How do I list a drop?
Create an account, choose a type, drop a pin, add a short description and photo, and publish.

What wood can I list?
Clean, untreated timber only. No chemically treated timber, painted wood, laminated boards, or construction waste with nails or hardware.

3. Supporting FreeWood

FreeWood is built to keep arborists out of the tip and put free timber into local hands. Running the site — hosting, maps, and future improvements — relies on community support.

• Tips & donations: Use the support options on the site. Contributions go to maintenance, servers, and development.
• Spread the word: Tell local arborists and neighbours. Share the site so more wood stays out of landfill.

4. Terms and conditions

Acceptance

By using FreeWood.com.au (“the Platform”), you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, stop using the Platform.

Nature of the Platform

FreeWood is a digital noticeboard connecting arborists with people seeking surplus timber. FreeWood is not a party to any physical collection or exchange. We do not own, inspect, transport, or guarantee any wood listed on the Platform.

User conduct

• You must be at least 18 to register or arrange collections.
• Arborists warrant they have legal authority or property-owner consent to place timber at the listed drop point.
• Collectors must not block driveways, footpaths, or traffic lanes while collecting.
• Commercial bulk harvesting for resale without the arborist’s explicit permission is prohibited.

Intellectual property

Content, branding, code, and design on FreeWood.com.au belong to FreeWood and may not be copied without written consent.

5. Liability & legal protections

Placement responsibility

Anyone who lists or places timber on public or private land (including footpaths, verges, council land, or private frontages) warrants that they have all required permissions and have complied with local council rules and road laws. FreeWood does not choose, inspect, or approve drop locations. The lister is fully responsible for placement.

Release of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by the laws of Victoria and Australia, FreeWood.com.au and its founders, directors, employees, contractors, and affiliates accept no liability for outcomes arising from use of the Platform, including but not limited to:

• Council fines, cleanup notices, or action for improper placement or illegal dumping
• Traffic accidents or injuries related to timber on roadsides or footpaths
• Damage to property or infrastructure during drop-off or collection
• Personal injury from handling, loading, cutting, or transporting timber — all done at your own risk

User indemnity

By using FreeWood, you agree to defend and unconditionally hold FreeWood.com.au harmless from claims, losses, damages, fines, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from timber placement, lack of permission, breaches of local laws, or injury or damage during collection or transport of timber sourced via the Platform.

Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. Disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria.

FreeWood.com.au © 2026. All rights reserved.