In PA. if you get caught cutting another persons trees it treble damages. In other words, three times the value of the timber plus court costs. Thats very expensive firewood in my book. Not worth it, get permission. I drive by some absolutely primo standing dead white oak every day. probably hundreds of trees. Dang near kills me to know that stuff is going to fall over eventually or rot. I've asked the water authority who owns the land, if I could go in and harvest some of those dead trees by hand, no equipment so I dont tear nothing up. There answer is no. Even stated that I'd sign a liability waiver in case I got hurt. There answer is still no. If they let me go in, they would have to let others go in. At least thats what they are saying. So be it. Its their trees and land, not mine. Just the way it is. I have asked many landowners over the years about cutting dead trees on their property as well, some say yes and others say no. You have to abide by the landowners wishes, to do otherwise is theft. Plain and simple.