Shipping is def high for green wood. I live in Mi and have piles of big burls I should probably get rid of. I don't have time to turn it all. I just cut it up with the chainsaw and anchorseal it. It's all good quality wood, just not cut real pretty on a bandsaw. I do try to cut it pretty square so its fairly balanced on the lathe though. Regardless of where you live, you should call the city and see what they do with the trees they cut down or the blowdowns. The road comission and power companies, tree trimming services and especially loggers. All of these people run into burls and excellent turning wood daily! If you are in a rural area, like I am, make friends with loggers for sure! Don't expect to get the stuff for free though. They do not want burls and such but seem to be catching on that there is a demands in the right crowd. I talk to a lot of loggers and guys with sawmills, etc... they are more than happy to give me tons of wood for free usually but I make a point to show up with a bowl or spoon or game call or something I think they or their wife will like. They will always remember this and you will start to get calls telling you where they lopped off a burl in the woods or whatever. Plus, it's fun... for me anyway! I have even had these guys show me how they drop veneer trees vs pulp wood, the diff techniques for this or that. Stuff you find useful when you get sick of paying for heavy green wood! Its everywhere!!