Where To Get Wood Chips

Starting a garden project and need some mulch? Knowing where to get wood chips is the first step to a healthier, easier-to-maintain garden. This guide will walk you through all the best sources, from free local options to store-bought bags, so you can find exactly what you need for your soil and plants.

You have more choices than you might think. The best source depends on your budget, how much you need, and what type of project your working on. Let’s break down the most common and effective places to look.

1. Your Local Tree Service Company (Often Free!)

This is one of the top secrets for gardeners. Tree service companies constantly have branches and trunks to dispose of after jobs. Chipping them on-site is standard practice.

They often have to pay to dump these chips at a recycling center. Many are thrilled to deliver a truckload to you for free instead. It saves them time and money.

How to find them: Search online for “tree service near me” or look for trucks working in your neighborhood.
What to ask: “Do you offer free wood chip drop-off?” Be ready to tell them how much space you have for the pile.
Keep in mind: The chips will be fresh, a mix of wood types, and may contain leaves. They’re perfect for paths or as a carbon-rich compost ingredient.

2. Municipal Yard Waste Recycling Centers

Many cities and counties operate green waste facilities. They collect yard debris from residents and turn it into mulch and compost for the public.

You can usually collect it yourself for a very low fee, sometimes even for free. Some municipalities offer scheduled free mulch days in the spring.

Call your city’s public works department or search “[Your City] yard waste mulch.”
You’ll need to transport it yourself, so bring a truck or trailer.
The quality is generally good, though it can be a mixed blend.

3. Utility Companies (Power & Telephone)

Utility companies trim trees away from power lines and rights-of-way. This creates huge amounts of wood debris that gets chipped.

Like tree companies, they need to get rid of this material. Contact your local electric or telephone utility to inquire about their chip disposal policy. They may have a list for free drop-offs or a location where you can pick it up.

4. Garden Centers & Home Improvement Stores

For smaller projects or when you need a specific type of mulch, buying bags is the most convenient option. You’ll find a variety of wood chip types here.

Bagged Hardwood Mulch: Common and affordable. Good for general garden beds.
Cedar or Cypress Chips: Often more expensive. They resist decay and insects longer, making them popular for playgrounds or landscaping.
Colored Mulch (Red, Black, Brown): Dyed wood chips for a uniform landscape look. Ensure the dye is non-toxic.

This is the easiest method, but also the most expensive per cubic yard compared to bulk sources.

5. Online Marketplaces & Community Boards

Don’t underestimate the power of your local community. People often advertise free wood chips after having trees removed.

Check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace under “Free” or “Garden” sections.
Join a local gardening group on Facebook; members often share leads.
Use apps like Nextdoor to ask your direct neighbors.

You might need to act fast and be able to haul it away yourself, but the price is right.

What to Know About “Arborist Chips”

Free chips from tree services are sometimes called arborist chips. They are different from store-bought mulch. Here’s why that’s often a good thing:

They contain a mix of wood, bark, and leaves, which breaks down slower and feeds the soil better.
They are not heat-treated, so they can contain beneficial fungi that help your garden ecosystem.
Because they’re fresh, they may temporarily use nitrogen from the soil as they begin to decompose. This is only a concern if you mix them into the soil; as a top-layer mulch, it’s not a problem.

How to Choose the Right Wood Chips for Your Project

Not all chips are for all jobs. Match the material to your goal for the best results.

For Vegetable Gardens & Annual Beds

You want chips that will break down and enrich the soil over time. Well-composted, shredded mulch or fine arborist chips are excellent. Avoid very fresh, chunky chips here, as they can tie up nitrogen.

For Pathways & Play Areas

Durability is key. Larger, chunkier wood chips or bark nuggets last longer underfoot. Cedar and cypress are rot-resistant. Make sure play area chips are certified for safety and free of large, sharp pieces.

For Trees, Shrubs & Perennial Beds

Most standard wood chips work perfectly here. Apply a 2-4 inch layer around plants, keeping it a few inches away from stems and trunks to prevent rot. This suppresses weeds and retains moisture.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Free Wood Chips Delivered

Identify local tree companies. A quick online search or drive around your area will reveal several.
Prepare your drop site. Clear a spot in your driveway or yard where a large truck can easily dump a pile. Make sure it’s accessible.
Make the calls. Explain you’re a gardener looking for wood chips. Ask if they ever need drop-off sites. Be polite and flexible on timing.
Get on their list. Many companies keep a “call list” for when they have a job in your area. You might not get chips tomorrow, but you’ll eventualy get a call.
Be ready when they call. They’ll usually give short notice. Ensure the site is clear and you’re home to direct them if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using “Termite Treated” Wood Chips: Never use chips from old construction pallets or treated lumber. They can contain harmful chemicals.
Piling Too High: The “volcano mulch” effect around trees kills them. Keep mulch away from the trunk.
Not Considering Age: Fresh chips can smell like vinegar as they decompose. If that bothers you, let the pile age for a few months before using near your house.
Forgetting About Weeds: Free chips may contain weed seeds. Using them as a thick top layer (3-4 inches) will smother most seeds, but be vigilant.

How Much Do You Need? A Simple Calculation

It’s easy to underestimate. Use this formula:

Measure your area in square feet (Length x Width).
Decide on depth in inches (3 inches is standard for mulch).
Use this: (Square Feet x Depth in Inches) / 324 = Cubic Yards needed.

Example: A 10ft x 20ft bed (200 sq ft) with 3-inch mulch: (200 x 3) / 324 = about 1.85 cubic yards. A standard pickup truck holds about 2-3 cubic yards, loosely piled.

FAQ: Your Wood Chip Questions Answered

Q: What’s the difference between wood chips and mulch?
A: “Mulch” is a broad term for any material spread on soil. Wood chips are a type of mulch, typically chunkier pieces from tree branches and trunks. Shredded bark is another common wood mulch.

Q: Are wood chips bad for my soil?
A: No, they are very beneficial when used as a top dressing. They improve soil structure, retain moisture, and suppress weeds as they slowly decompose and add organic matter.

Q: Can I use wood chips in my vegetable garden?
A: Yes, but it’s best to use partially composted chips or apply them between rows as a pathway material. Avoid mixing fresh, un-composted chips directly into vegetable bed soil right before planting.

Q: How often should I replace wood chip mulch?
A> Typically, you’ll need to add a fresh thin layer every 1-2 years to maintain appearance and effectiveness, as the bottom layer breaks down.

Q: Do wood chips attract termites or other pests?
A> Studies show that termites prefer buried wood. A dry layer of wood chips on the soil surface is not a significant attractant. However, it’s always wise to keep any wood material away from your home’s foundation.

Finding where to get wood chips is simpler than it seems. Start with a call to a tree service or a visit to your local recycling center. By choosing the right type for your project and applying it correctly, you’ll save water, reduce weeds, and build healthier soil for years to come. Your garden will thank you for it.