What to know about Tree and Brush Chipping in Edmonton
Sometimes, a tree has just got to go. Whether you are talking about pruning a few branches here and there while doing annual tree maintenance, or getting rid of an entire tree, sometimes you have no choice but to get rid of it. It’s important to consider the best way to remove and dispose of it, because let's face it, a tree isn't likely to fit in your city green bin, and you can't always take it to a composting facility. But your local Edmonton arborist can help you do just that. A professional tree removal services can ensure that the tree is safely and efficiently removed, minimizing the risk of damage to the surrounding area.
But once the tree is gone, what then? What do you do with it?
One popular tree disposal method is chipping. Chipping tree waste involves using a wood chipper to break down branches, leaves, and other organic materials into small, manageable pieces.
What is Tree or Brush Chipping?
Tree chipping refers to the process of turning an entire tree in wood chips, while brush chipping refers to the process of turning yard waste, such as pruned branches, into wood chips. Because these wood chips are used for other purposes, chipping is seen as an environmentally-friendly way to dispose of unwanted tree or plant materials.
While anyone can rent a wood chipper and do it themselves if they have ample space, it is recommended that you seek professional help if you want to chip a tree, especially if it’s not removed yet. Our ISA-certified arborists can remove any unwanted trees from your property, and assist you in safely chipping them using specialized equipment. We prioritize safety and efficiency in our tree removal services to ensure minimal impact on your property and surroundings.
Once the tree or the wood materials is safely removed, then you can start chipping them. After ensuring the pieces are small enough to do so, you can begin feeding them through the equipment. At the end of the process, you should have a big pile of wood chips.
What Can You Do With The Wood Chips
Sometimes, you have too much tree waste to fit into your green bin. While taking it directly to the Edmonton Waste Management Centre or a composting facility is one way to dispose of it, you can also recycle your old tree by turning it into wood chips. There are many things you can do with your new wood chips, with some of the new uses including:
- Mulch: Placing mulch in your garden beds and around your plants will help them retain water and stay warm. The presence of mulch will suppress the growth of weeds in and around garden beds, helping you maintain and care for your garden. Wood chips can also improve soil structure and fertility as they decompose, making them a versatile and sustainable option for landscaping projects.
- Composting Material: Wood chips contain a lot of carbon, which makes them an excellent source of "brown" material for composting. When mixed with "green" materials like kitchen scraps, they create a balanced compost pile that decomposes efficiently. Adding wood chips to compost also enriches the dirt, making it much more nutritious for the plants.
- Fuel: While not as environmentally friendly as other options, wood chips act as a great fuel source, especially as a fire starter. Wood chips are readily available and can be used in fireplaces, wood stoves, and outdoor fire pits to quickly ignite larger logs or charcoal. This makes them a convenient and efficient option for starting a fire in various settings.
- Erosion Control: Wood chips help prevent soil erosion by creating a barrier on the ground to prevent soil loss, especially during heavy showers. This makes them an excellent choice for landscaping and construction sites where erosion control is essential. However, wood chips are only a temporary solution to this issue, and you will need to look into other options for a more long-term fix.
- Walkways: A wood chip walkway is an efficient solution for leveling the ground and effectively preventing weed growth in the garden. This type of walkway provides a natural and organic look to your outdoor space, blending in well with its surroundings. It is also relatively easy to install and maintain, making it a popular choice for many gardeners.
- Play Area: Wood chips are a good option for play areas because they cushion falls and provide a safe, non-slip surface, making them ideal for play areas. The natural look of wood chips also blends well with outdoor surroundings, creating a more aesthetically pleasing play area for children and families to enjoy.
Limitations of Chipping
While sending your unwated tree through a wood chipper has a lot of benefits, there are limitations to tree and brush chipping.
Tree or brush chipping is often considered to be an additional service to tree removal. It's important to check with your tree service provider and clarify if tree or brush chipping is included in the removal service or if it's an additional charge. In case you choose to do your own pruning, make sure to organize the branches neatly to avoid any complications during the chipping process and potential extra fees. It is also crucial to understand the requirements for chipping, such as the maximum size and thickness of branches that can be chipped, as well as any specific guidelines provided by your tree service provider. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient chipping process.
Some services may mean that you don't have the option for tree chipping. Stump grinding, for instance, where the tree stump is removed in place, means you may not have the proper material to send through a wood or brush chipper. Some tree trimming services may not leave you with adequate material to send through a wood chipper as well. Make sure you inquire about the tree removal services your Edmonton Arborist provides.
If you are removing dead branches from a diseased tree, or are removing a dying tree or a dead tree that was infected by a disease or fungus, chipping may not be an option for you. Plant diseases and insect infestations can spread from infected plant material, including during travel and processing. Infected plant wood chips can spread disease to other plants and contribute to disease spread in ecosystems. Proper disposal of infected wood chips is crucial to preventing the further spread of plant pathogens. In these cases, our expert arborists will be able to help you dispose of the infected materials safely at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre.
An Environmentally Friendly Way To Deal With Yard Waste
Tree or brush chipping is just one of many ways to dispose of your trees or tree waste, and is gaining popularity due to its environmental benefits. Additionally, it is a cost-effective method that allows you to repurpose the chipped materials for various purposes such as mulch, fuel, or ground cover. This process not only minimizes waste but also provides a sustainable alternative for landscaping and gardening needs. Whether you're a homeowner or a professional landscaper, tree or brush chipping can be a valuable and eco-friendly solution for managing your green waste.
Contact our experienced team of arborists today about our tree removal services to find out if wood chipping is right for you.
