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What to do with the wood chips after stump grinding
A stump grinder leaves a pile of fresh wood chips in the hole and beside it. You can reuse them as mulch, mix them with soil to fill the hole, or pay the crew to haul them off.
Your options
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Use as mulch | Flower beds, tree rings, paths | Keep it a few inches away from trunks and walls. A 2 to 4 inch layer is plenty |
| Mix into the hole | Filling the hollow left by the stump | Fresh chips settle as they rot, so top up with soil later |
| Haul away | Clean lawns, diseased trees, no use for mulch | Usually costs extra. Ask before the day |
| Pile and compost | People who garden | Let them break down for a season first |
Things to know first
- Fresh chips pull nitrogen from the soil near the surface as they break down. Do not seed grass straight into a layer of fresh chips.
- If the tree was black walnut, do not use the chips around vegetables or sensitive plants. Walnut gives off a compound that harms many of them.
- If the tree was diseased, ask the crew whether to haul the chips away instead of spreading them.
- Do not stack chips against your house. Damp wood against a wall invites insects.
Planning to put grass back?
Rake out most of the chips, fill with topsoil, firm it, then seed or sod. Expect the spot to settle a little over the first year.
Send the form and a crew that works your part of town will call with a price. Free, and you can say no.
Questions
Do I have to take the wood chips?
No. Tell the crew when you request the quote whether you want them left, spread, or hauled away.
Are the chips good mulch?
Yes, for beds and paths, with the cautions above. They look rough at first and darken over time.