Flagstaff County residents can now help themselves to free wood chips at the satellite mulch sites in Strome (located on the south side of the old seed cleaning plant) and Galahad (at the school grounds beside the waste bins). A satellite mulch site will also be established in or near Sedgewick at a later date.
Wood chips are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Use at your own risk.
Wood Chip Drop Request Form (for arborists)
Arborists looking to drop off wood chips must fill out a Wood Chip Drop Request Form.
Benefits of wood chips
Wood chips can be valuable for trees and shrubs in various ways:
- Mulch – Wood chips can be used as mulch around the base of trees. Mulching helps conserve soil moisture by reducing evaporation and inhibiting weed growth. By keeping the soil consistently moist, wood chips will provide a favourable environment for tree root growth.
- Insulation – Wood chips act as an insulating layer around tree roots, protecting them from extreme temperatures. In colder climates, wood chip mulch can help prevent freezing and thawing cycles that damage roots.
- Weed suppression – A layer of wood chips can suppress weed growth around trees. Weeds compete with trees for water, nutrients, and sunlight and by reducing weed growth, wood chips help reduce competition and give trees a better chance to thrive.
- Soil improvement – As wood chips break down over time, they contribute organic matter into the soil. This organic matter improves soil structure, promotes beneficial microbial activity, and enhances the availability of nutrients for the trees.
- Erosion control – Wood chips can help control soil erosion by acting as a protective layer on sloped surfaces. They slow down the movement of water, allowing it to infiltrate the soil and reduce surface runoff, which can carry away valuable topsoil.