After tree removal, the stump and roots are often ground down to eliminate the remnants of the tree. Stump and root grinding frequently leave behind a large pile of wood chips that you might not know what to do with. While tree companies can haul away the debris, those wood chips can actually be put to good use. Instead of seeing them as waste, here are some creative and beneficial ways to use wood chips in your yard!
Use Wood Chips as Mulch
Using wood chips as mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds provides many benefits. Mulch helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation, which is especially valuable during warmer months when soil tends to dry out quickly. It also insulates the soil, protecting plant roots from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, which can otherwise stress or damage plants.
In addition, wood mulch suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds, reducing competition for water and nutrients. As it breaks down over time, the mulch enriches the soil with organic matter, improving its structure and fertility. To apply, spread a 2-4 inch layer of wood chips around your plants, but be sure to leave some space around the base of trees and shrubs to prevent moisture buildup and potential root rot.
Design a Creative Footpath
Wood chips can be used to create a rustic, natural footpath in your garden or yard. They’re an affordable alternative to other materials like gravel or pavers and are perfect for informal trails or walkways. To build a wood chip path, clear the area of grass and weeds, lay down landscape fabric to prevent future growth, and spread about 3 inches of wood chips evenly. Wood chip paths blend beautifully into natural landscapes, are low-maintenance, and can be easily replenished as the chips break down over time.
Use as Firestarter
Wood chips make an excellent firestarter for campfires, fireplaces, or fire pits due to their small, dry nature, which helps larger logs catch fire quickly. Simply place a handful of wood chips at the base of your fire structure, and they’ll ignite easily, providing the kindling needed to start a fire. Storing them in a dry place ensures you have a convenient, eco-friendly firestarter on hand for outdoor cooking or gatherings.
Use as Landscape Filler
Wood chips can be an effective landscape filler in low spots or around areas that need extra coverage, such as trees, flower beds, or fence lines. By filling in low areas, wood chips improve drainage and enhance the overall appearance of your landscape with a clean, uniform look. They are also commonly used as a soft, biodegradable surface in playgrounds or under swing sets, providing a natural cushioning that can be replenished over time.
Add to Your Compost Pile
Wood chips are a great addition to your compost pile, acting as a “brown” material high in carbon that balances nitrogen-rich “green” materials like food scraps and grass clippings. Adding wood chips helps improve the composition of your compost by creating air pockets that aid in decomposition. Since they break down more slowly than other materials, it’s best to mix them with a variety of ingredients for a well-balanced compost that enriches your soil, promotes plant growth, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Hire a Professional Tree Service
If you’re unsure about what to do after stump grinding or want to use the leftover wood chips in the best way possible, consider hiring a professional tree service. Our team of knowledgeable arborists can handle the stump grinding process for you and provide advice on repurposing wood chips based on your specific landscape needs.
