At Margaret River Tree Care, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s at the heart of everything we do. When it comes to firewood, we take an eco-conscious approach to ensure that our supply remains steady while protecting and regenerating the land we work on.
Our Eco-Conscious Plantation
Our main plantation is a 14-hectare expanse of mixed eucalypt species, originally planted in 1991 by Pete Lane and his family on what was once a farm paddock. Over time, more trees have been planted across an additional 80 hectares around the property. This legacy of tree planting continues, with plans to restore more paddock land in 2026. The new area will be planted with native species, turning degraded land into a thriving conservation zone that will also provide timber in the future.
Sustainable Firewood Harvesting in Margaret River
Many people don’t realise that you can grow more than you harvest when it comes to firewood. Instead of clear-cutting, we use a method called coppicing—cutting trees and allowing them to regrow from the stump. This technique encourages rapid regrowth and creates a continuous cycle of firewood production. Our mixed-species eucalypt plantation is particularly well-suited for this method, offering fast-growing, high-quality burning wood.
One of the most crucial aspects of our approach is that we leave the largest trees intact. These mature trees are not only vital for timber production but also serve as critical habitat for local wildlife. Beneath their canopy, our coppice firewood rotation is constantly regenerating, ensuring that the ecosystem remains balanced while providing a sustainable firewood source.
Improving the Land for Generations to Come
Our mission goes beyond just harvesting firewood—we are committed to improving the land itself. By maintaining constant tree cover, we enhance soil health, support biodiversity, and create conservation areas for native wildlife. Our long-term vision includes producing high-quality timber for building homes, all while keeping our environmental impact minimal.
Unlike large-scale commercial operations that clear-cut land and ship products overseas, we take a local-first approach. Everything we do is geared towards providing firewood and timber for the Margaret River community. No mass deforestation, no heavy machinery tearing up the land—just sustainable practices that nurture the environment while meeting the needs of our neighbours.
Nothing Goes to Waste
At Margaret River Tree Care, we believe in using every part of the tree. Just as we make sure that no wood goes to waste on our job sites, the same philosophy applies to our plantation. Every resource is valuable, and we take great care to minimise waste while maximising the benefits of our sustainable firewood system.
A Labor of Love
Working in our plantation is a hands-on job, one that requires skill, patience, and the right equipment. Our process is powered by a 50-horsepower open-cab John Deere tractor, complete with a logging winch, grapple, firewood processor, and tipper trailer. This setup allows us to harvest and process firewood efficiently while keeping our footprint light. (Perhaps a story for another blog—we could write a whole piece on why we love working in ‘the plantation’!)
The Future of Sustainable Firewood
Looking ahead, our 2026 planting project is just another step in our commitment to sustainable land management. By transforming a degraded paddock into a thriving conservation and timber production zone, we are ensuring that the land remains healthy, productive, and full of life for years to come.
For those in the Margaret River region looking for firewood, you can feel good knowing that our supply comes from a carefully managed, eco-conscious system. Sustainable firewood isn’t just about keeping warm—it’s about caring for the land, supporting local ecosystems, and ensuring a bright future for our community.
If you’re interested in learning more about our approach or getting firewood from a sustainable source, get in touch with us today! We'd love to chat about our timber process.
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