Asplundh Wood Chips Uses (5 Expert Industry Secrets)

In the realm of wood processing, there’s a certain tradition, a lineage passed down through generations. I remember my grandfather, a seasoned logger, teaching me the feel of the wood, the hum of the chainsaw, and the respect owed to the forest. That respect extends to every part of the tree, even the humble wood chip. Today, I want to share my insights into the often-overlooked potential of Asplundh wood chips, revealing industry secrets that can transform how you view this byproduct.

Asplundh Wood Chips Uses: 5 Expert Industry Secrets

Asplundh Tree Expert Co. is a name synonymous with tree care and vegetation management, particularly for power lines and utility companies. As such, they generate a massive amount of wood chips as a byproduct. These aren’t your finely processed landscaping chips; they’re often a mixed bag of species, sizes, and sometimes even include leaves and twigs. This reputation often leads people to undervalue them, but I’m here to tell you that with the right knowledge, these chips can be a goldmine.

1. Mulching Magic: Beyond the Landscaping Aisle

The most common use for wood chips is, of course, mulching. But applying Asplundh wood chips is a little more nuanced than spreading cedar chips around your petunias.

Understanding the Composition: First, recognize that Asplundh chips are rarely uniform. You might find oak, maple, pine, and everything in between mixed together. This diversity can be both a blessing and a curse. The variety of wood types means a wider range of decomposition rates, creating a more sustained release of nutrients into the soil. However, it also means you need to be cautious about potential allelopathic effects (where one plant inhibits the growth of another). Walnut, for example, contains juglone, which can be toxic to some plants. While the concentration in a mixed batch of chips is usually low, it’s something to be aware of.
Application Techniques: I’ve found that a thicker layer of Asplundh chips is generally better than a thin one. Aim for 4-6 inches. This helps suppress weeds more effectively and retains moisture longer. However, avoid piling the chips directly against the stems of your plants, as this can create a haven for pests and diseases. A good rule of thumb is to leave a 2-3 inch gap.
Soil Amendment Potential: Over time, wood chips decompose, enriching the soil with organic matter. This improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. However, the decomposition process can temporarily tie up nitrogen in the soil. To counteract this, I recommend adding a nitrogen-rich amendment, such as blood meal or composted manure, when applying the chips. This helps balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and prevents nitrogen deficiency in your plants. I’ve seen this make a huge difference in the health and vigor of my garden.
Specific Plant Considerations: Some plants thrive with wood chip mulch, while others are less enthusiastic. Acid-loving plants like blueberries, rhododendrons, and azaleas generally benefit from the slightly acidic nature of decomposing wood chips. Vegetables, on the other hand, may prefer a more composted material. Experiment and observe how your plants respond.
Case Study: A local community garden experimented with Asplundh wood chip mulch in different vegetable plots. One plot received only wood chips, while another received wood chips amended with composted chicken manure. The plot with the amended chips showed significantly higher yields for tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini. This highlights the importance of balancing the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio when using wood chips as mulch in vegetable gardens.

Takeaway: Asplundh wood chips can be an excellent mulch, but understanding their composition and amending them with nitrogen is crucial for optimal results.

2. Composting Champion: Supercharging Your Decomposition

Composting is another excellent way to utilize Asplundh wood chips. They act as a “brown” or carbon-rich material, balancing the “green” or nitrogen-rich materials like grass clippings and food scraps.

The Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio: The ideal carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio for composting is around 25:1 to 30:1. Wood chips are very high in carbon, typically around 400:1 or even higher. This means you need to add a significant amount of nitrogen-rich material to balance them out.
Proper Mixing Techniques: Don’t just dump a pile of wood chips in your compost bin and expect magic to happen. The key is to mix the chips thoroughly with green materials. I like to layer them in alternating layers, like lasagna. Start with a layer of wood chips, then a layer of grass clippings, then a layer of food scraps, and so on. Moisten each layer as you go. This ensures that the microbes responsible for decomposition have access to both carbon and nitrogen.
Particle Size Matters: Large wood chips can take a very long time to break down. To speed up the process, I recommend chipping them into smaller pieces if possible. A wood chipper or even a heavy-duty lawn mower can be used for this purpose. Alternatively, you can let the chips sit for a few months to partially decompose before adding them to your compost pile.
Activating the Compost: To further accelerate decomposition, consider adding a compost activator. These products contain beneficial microbes that help break down organic matter. You can also use finished compost as an activator, as it’s already teeming with microbial life.
Monitoring and Maintenance: Keep an eye on your compost pile. It should be moist but not soggy. If it’s too dry, add water. If it’s too wet, add more wood chips to absorb the excess moisture. Turn the pile regularly to aerate it and promote even decomposition. A well-managed compost pile should reach temperatures of 130-160°F (54-71°C), which kills weed seeds and pathogens.
Case Study: A local organic farm uses Asplundh wood chips as a key component of their composting system. They mix the chips with manure from their livestock, vegetable scraps from their kitchen, and grass clippings from their fields. By carefully managing the C:N ratio and turning the pile regularly, they produce high-quality compost that they use to enrich their soil and grow healthy, productive crops. They estimate that they save thousands of dollars each year by using wood chips instead of purchasing commercially produced compost.

Takeaway: Asplundh wood chips are a valuable addition to any compost pile, but proper mixing, moisture management, and aeration are essential for success.

3. Animal Bedding Bonanza: Comfort for Your Critters

Wood chips can also be used as bedding for livestock, poultry, and other animals. They provide a comfortable and absorbent surface that helps keep animals clean and dry.

Species Suitability: Wood chips are generally suitable for larger animals like cattle, horses, and pigs. They can also be used for poultry, but it’s important to choose chips that are free of splinters and sharp edges. Smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs may find wood chips too coarse and prefer softer bedding materials like straw or hay.
Absorbency and Odor Control: Wood chips are naturally absorbent, helping to soak up urine and manure. This reduces odor and creates a healthier environment for animals. However, the absorbency of wood chips varies depending on the species of wood. Softwoods like pine and fir are generally more absorbent than hardwoods like oak and maple.
Application and Maintenance: Spread a layer of wood chips 4-6 inches thick in the animal’s enclosure. Remove soiled chips regularly and replace them with fresh chips. The frequency of replacement will depend on the number of animals and the size of the enclosure.
Composting the Used Bedding: Used wood chip bedding is a valuable resource for composting. It’s already rich in nitrogen from the animal waste, making it an excellent addition to your compost pile. Follow the same composting guidelines as described above, ensuring proper mixing, moisture management, and aeration.
Safety Considerations: Avoid using wood chips from treated lumber, as these may contain chemicals that are harmful to animals. Also, be aware of potential allergens. Some animals may be sensitive to certain types of wood. Start with a small amount of wood chips and observe your animals for any signs of allergic reaction.
Case Study: A local horse farm uses Asplundh wood chips as bedding in their stalls. They find that the chips are more absorbent and less dusty than straw, which improves the air quality in the barn and reduces respiratory problems in their horses. They also compost the used bedding, creating a valuable soil amendment for their pastures.

Takeaway: Asplundh wood chips can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly bedding option for various animals, but choose the right chip type and manage them properly.

4. Erosion Control Extraordinaire: Stabilizing Slopes and Soil

Wood chips can be an effective tool for erosion control, particularly on slopes and in areas prone to runoff. They help to stabilize the soil, reduce water velocity, and promote vegetation growth.

5. Biofuel Breakthrough: Powering a Sustainable Future

While perhaps not immediately accessible to the average homeowner, the potential of Asplundh wood chips as a biofuel source is significant.

Gasification: Wood chips can be gasified, a process that converts them into a combustible gas that can be used to generate electricity or heat. This is a well-established technology that is used in many parts of the world.
Pyrolysis: Pyrolysis is another process that can be used to convert wood chips into biofuel. This process involves heating the chips in the absence of oxygen, which produces bio-oil, biochar, and syngas. Bio-oil can be used as a fuel for transportation or heating, while biochar can be used as a soil amendment. Syngas can be used to generate electricity or heat.
Ethanol Production: Wood chips can also be used to produce ethanol, a biofuel that can be blended with gasoline. This process involves breaking down the cellulose in the wood chips into sugars, which are then fermented into ethanol.
Challenges and Opportunities: The main challenge in using wood chips as a biofuel source is the cost of processing. However, as technology improves and the demand for renewable energy increases, the economics of biofuel production from wood chips are becoming more favorable.
Government Incentives: Many governments offer incentives for biofuel production, such as tax credits and grants. These incentives can help to make biofuel production from wood chips more economically viable.
Case Study: Several companies are currently developing and deploying technologies to convert wood chips into biofuel. One company is building a large-scale gasification plant that will use wood chips to generate electricity for a local community. Another company is developing a pyrolysis process that will convert wood chips into bio-oil and biochar. These projects demonstrate the potential of wood chips as a sustainable energy source.

Takeaway: Asplundh wood chips hold immense promise as a renewable energy source, contributing to a more sustainable future through processes like gasification, pyrolysis, and ethanol production.

Beyond the Secrets: A Word on Safety and Sustainability

Working with wood chips, like any wood processing activity, requires a commitment to safety and sustainability. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask, especially when handling large quantities of chips. Be mindful of the potential for dust inhalation and skin irritation.

From a sustainability perspective, consider the source of your wood chips. Asplundh, by its nature, is managing trees often for safety and infrastructure reasons. However, strive to use wood chips from responsible sources that practice sustainable forestry management. This ensures that the wood chips are harvested in a way that protects the environment and preserves the long-term health of the forest.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Potential

Asplundh wood chips are more than just a waste product. They are a valuable resource that can be used in a variety of ways, from mulching and composting to animal bedding and erosion control. By understanding the properties of wood chips and applying them correctly, you can unlock their potential and create a more sustainable and productive landscape. I hope these five industry secrets have opened your eyes to the possibilities and inspired you to explore the many uses of this often-overlooked resource.

Asplundh Wood Chips Uses (5 Expert Industry Secrets)