We are happy to not only engage in tree topping or tree removal but also turn the tree wood left behind into wood chips. With our tree chipping service, we can reduce a tree of any size to high-quality chips in just a few seconds.
If we carry out this particular service on your behalf, you will be able to decide for yourself what subsequently happens to those chips. However, detailed below are just some of the uses we would most eagerly recommend for wood chips.
Applying as mulch on growing areas
As a result of placing mulch on the soil, you can help it to retain moisture. Also, wherever on the soil you do leave mulch, it will hinder the growth of weeds — and so can prove instrumental in easing the long-term maintenance of your garden beds.
Adding to compost
If you have created compost, you can add wood chips to it and consequently form a carbon or ‘brown’ layer that breaks down on the dirt and enriches it. The result will be a delightfully nutritious compost for plants to feast upon.
Creating walkways
Yes, by building up deep layers of wood chips, you can create surfaces easy for people to walk on. You could particularly benefit from leaving these wood chips on uneven areas of ground since the chips could even them out as well as suppress weeds.
Temporarily filling in eroded areas
If there are certain areas of your garden that have eroded, you could place wood chips in those gaps and so buy yourself time to come up with a longer-term remedy for the problem.
Why can wood chips be so effective in erosion control? One reason why is these chips’ ability to form a barrier that, during heavy rain, guards against soil loss.
Using as cattle bedding
If you keep cattle but struggle to afford straw bedding, you could alternatively fashion bedding from wood chips, given how little dust they generate.
To enquire about our tree chipping service and learn about the specialist machinery we use for it, please hit this link to access our online contact form, which you can use to get in touch with our world-class arborists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with wood chips?
You can use wood chips for garden mulch, creating mud-free paths, or as a carbon-rich addition to your compost. They are also excellent for erosion control and can even serve as absorbent bedding for livestock.
Can I use wood chips in a vegetable garden?
Wood chips are safe for vegetable gardens when used as a surface mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds between rows. While they shouldn’t be dug directly into the soil while fresh, they provide an excellent protective layer that keeps produce clean and off the bare ground.
Do wood chips take nitrogen from the soil?
Wood chips only cause minor “nitrogen tie-up” at the very surface where they meet the soil, which generally does not affect the deep roots of established plants. If you are concerned about nitrogen levels for shallow-rooted seedlings, simply apply a layer of compost or nitrogen-rich fertiliser before spreading your chips.
Can I put wood chips around trees safely?
Wood chips are highly beneficial for trees as they mimic the natural forest floor and provide a steady supply of nutrients as they decay. To ensure tree health, avoid “mulch volcanoes” by spreading chips in a wide circle around the base of the trunk to prevent bark rot.
Can I use wood chips for garden paths?
Wood chips are ideal for creating soft, mud-free, and tidy trails throughout your landscape. They are a cost-effective way to define walkways and provide a stable, cushioned surface that naturally suppresses weed growth in high-traffic areas.
How long do wood chips take to break down?
Fresh wood chips take between one and three years to fully decompose, depending on the wood type and local weather conditions. Hardwood chips and larger pieces last significantly longer than softwood or finely shredded mulch, providing durable ground cover for several seasons.
Can I compost wood chips?
Yes, wood chips can be composted as a “brown” carbon source to balance out nitrogen-rich “green” waste like grass clippings. Because they are dense, they provide essential aeration and structure to your compost pile, though they will break down faster if shredded finely first.
Do wood chips attract termites or pests?
Wood chips do not typically attract termites, as these pests prefer large, solid pieces of timber rather than small, dry mulch. While chips create a damp environment that beneficial garden insects enjoy, you can maintain a “dry zone” by keeping the mulch a small distance away from your home’s foundations.