When a tree is removed, homeowners are often left with a big pile of wood chips. Free mulch? Sure! But before you spread it around your flower beds or trees, let’s talk about why fresh wood chips aren’t always the best idea for your landscape.

1. Fresh Wood Chips Can Steal Nitrogen from the Soil

As wood chips begin to break down, soil microbes use nitrogen to help with the decomposition process. That nitrogen is pulled from the surrounding soil — the same soil your plants depend on.

What does that mean for your plants?

• Yellow leaves
• Slow growth
• Weak stems or roots

Pro Tip: If you want to use fresh chips, don’t mix them into the soil. Keep them on top as mulch instead.

2. Fresh Chips Can Get Hot (and Harm Your Plants)

When fresh wood chips decompose, they release heat. If you pile them up too close to your plants or tree trunks, that heat can damage roots, bark, and stems.

Pro Tip: Always keep mulch 3 to 6 inches away from plant bases and tree trunks.

3. They Can Spread Pests or Diseases

If the tree was removed because it was sick or infested with insects, the chips could still contain fungi, larvae, or pathogens. Using those chips could spread problems into the rest of your landscape.

Example:

• Emerald Ash Borer larvae can survive in chipped ash wood.
• Fungal spores can spread to other healthy trees and shrubs.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure why the tree was removed, don’t use the chips near valuable or healthy plants.

4. They Can Create Drainage Issues

Fresh chips are bulky and irregular. If you pile them too thick:

• They may trap too much water, leading to root rot.
• Or they may block water from soaking into the soil in dry conditions.

Pro Tip: Only use 2 to 4 inches of mulch. That’s enough to suppress weeds and retain moisture, but not enough to smother your plants.

So, What’s the Right Way to Use Fresh Chips?

Good Uses:

• Woodland trails or walking paths
• Mulch rings around mature trees (not touching the trunk!)
• Weed suppression in non-garden areas
• Compost piles (let them break down over time)

Not Recommended:

• Around annual flowers or veggies
• In raised beds or food gardens
• If the chips came from a diseased or infested tree

Best Option? Let the Chips Age First

Letting the wood chips sit for 6 to 12 months allows them to break down into a rich, safe mulch. Aged mulch is darker in color, smells earthy, and won’t steal nitrogen from your soil.

It’s better for your plants, your soil, and your long-term landscape health.

Final Thought Fresh wood chips aren’t bad — they just need a little time. When used right, they’re a great resource. When used too soon or in the wrong place, they can cause more harm than good.

If you’re unsure whether your wood chips are ready to use, just give us a call. We’re happy to help you do it the right way!