Q: You mentioned on your radio program that it was easy to obtain free wood chips. Whom would I contact?

A: Most arborist companies (www.georgiaarborist.org) will deliver them free. If you ask nicely, they will be on the lookout for an oak tree removal job, which yields chips that last longer than pine chips. And if you promise the crew cookies and soft drinks, they might deliver a partial load.

I say the last advisedly because some chip trucks carry an enormous volume (12 to 30 cubic yards) and it can take a very long while to distribute a mountain of chips into your landscape.

A cubic yard of chips will mulch 15 big azaleas two inches thick. You’ll need a cubic yard for a mature dogwood or redbud tree and two cubic yards to properly mulch a big oak or hickory. Lastly, make sure you have an unobstructed, level, dump spot for their large truck.

Your driveway is NOT a good place for dumping unless you have an army of helpers to clear a path so you can get your car in and out.

You can also get free chips at AboutTrees.com, which matches homeowners with tree companies.

Using Arborist Wood Chip Mulch in Your Landscape