What To Do With Wood Chips After Tree Removal

Customers often ask us what they should do with wood chips after tree removal, Wood chips are really useful and generally we don’t like to let them go to waste. Here are a few things you can do with your wood chips after tree removal service.

1. Mulch:

Wood chips can be used as mulch in landscaping and gardening. Spread a layer of wood chips around the base of trees, shrubs, and flower beds to retain moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and improve overall soil health. Ensure that the mulch is applied at an appropriate depth to avoid suffocating plants.

2. Composting:

Wood chips can be added to a compost pile to balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Chipped wood materials will break down slowly, adding valuable organic matter to your compost. However, avoid using large quantities of wood chips, as they can slow down the decomposition process if not properly balanced with other compostable materials.

3. Erosion Control:

Wood chips can be used for erosion control in areas with soil erosion issues, such as on slopes, around construction sites, or near waterways. They help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion by slowing down the flow of water.

4. Pathways and Trails:

Create attractive and natural-looking pathways and trails in your garden, park, or recreational area using wood chips. They provide a soft and non-slip surface, making them a practical and aesthetic choice.

5. Playground Surfaces:

Wood chips are commonly used as a playground surface material. They offer cushioning and shock absorption, making them a safe and resilient choice for children’s play areas.

6. Animal Bedding:

Wood chips can be used as bedding material for livestock, poultry, or small animals. Ensure that the wood chips are clean and free of any toxins or harmful chemicals.

7. Biomass Energy:

Some regions use wood chips as a source of biomass energy for heating or electricity generation. However, this may require more extensive processing and should comply with local regulations and environmental guidelines.

8. Hugelkultur Beds:

 Hugelkultur is a gardening technique that involves creating raised beds filled with organic materials, including wood chips. The decomposing wood acts as a long-term source of nutrients and moisture for plants.

9. Give Away or Sell:

 If you have a surplus of wood chips, consider offering them for free or selling them to local residents, gardeners, or landscaping companies. Many people are looking for wood chips to use in their own landscaping projects.

10. Disposal:



 If you have no immediate use for the wood chips, you can arrange for proper disposal through your local waste management or recycling facility. Some municipalities offer wood chip recycling services.

Before using wood chips for any purpose, ensure that the tree from which they were derived was not treated with harmful chemicals or pesticides. Clean, untreated wood chips are the best choice for many of these applications.