Wood chips present both a challenge and an opportunity to the average home owner. Bringing down just one large tree, or running brambles and underbrush through the shredder, may result in a small mountain of wood chips. But whether you find yourself with your own wood chips to dispose of, or are offered a bounty from a neighbor or local tree service, a wealth of green living uses exists for wood chips.
Garden Mulch
Wood chips make excellent organic mulch for landscape and edible gardens. Mulching helps to reduce weed growth and conserve water by preventing moisture evaporation from sun and wind. It also cools the soil to protect delicate plants from over-heating at the height of summer. Spread the wood chips at a depth of between 2 to 4 inches, depending on the plants. Because some wood chips may raise the soil's pH level, add wood ash or lime to the ground before adding the wood chip mulch.
Soil Amendment
Most plants prefer a neutral pH level, but others, such as blueberries and azaleas, actually thrive on the acidity which wood chips provide. Let your pile of wood chips age for a season or two, then add the rotted chips to the soil to lower the pH level. Till the chips into the soil at a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Provide additional acidity by mulching the surface with fresh wood chips.
Path Liner
Use wood chips to provide a rustic look to garden and woodland paths. Lay landscape fiber or damp newspapers on the pathways for extra weed protection, then add woodchips at a depth of 6 to 8 inches. You'll need to renew the chips every few years as they decompose. If the paths run between garden beds which are also mulched with wood chips, consider using a different tree species or color in the path to provide visual contrast.
Play Area Protection
Wood chips provide excellent protection for playground areas, especially under swing sets and slides. Homeowners may neglect this crucial step when setting up play areas in the back yard. The University of Cincinatti's NetWellness program recommends placing a layer of woodchips at least 12 inches thick around playground equipment. Extend this layer at least 6 feet from the base of the equipment in all directions. Rake or replace the chips regularly.
Compost Material
In order to transform yard waste into rich black fertilizer, compost piles rely on large amounts of carbon-rich materials to balance nitrogen-containing ingredients like grass clippings and kitchen scraps. If you don't have access to leaves or hay, use wood chips for some or all of these carbon needs. Add thin layers of garden lime or wood ash to counteract the acidity of the wood chips.
Fuel
Wood chips make a useful base for some campfire or grill systems, providing cooking fuel while imparting a delicious smoky taste. And while the average home owner may not be able to efficiently convert his own wood chips into heating fuel, some universities use them in their biomass furnaces. These systems reduce waste from the lumber industry while conserving fossil fuels. Additionally, government agencies are once again turning their attention on an old idea--running vehicles on wood chips and other wood waste products, according to "Mother Earth News." Trucks and SUVs are the more likely candidates for this use of biomass fuel, due to their larger engines.
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