Free Wood Chips: The Sustainable Landscaping Secret for Fall in North Georgia

As summer winds down and the air starts to cool, many homeowners in Cumming and across North Georgia begin thinking about how to prepare their yards for fall. One of the most underrated (and affordable!) landscaping tools available isn’t found in a store - it’s wood chips.

At LS Trees, we turn tree removals and trimmings into an eco-friendly resource for our community by offering FREE wood chips whenever possible. So if you’re preparing your garden for cooler weather or just want to give your property a polished, well-maintained look, wood chips are a game-changer.

Why Choose Wood Chips Over Store-Bought Mulch

Not all mulch is created equal. Many bagged mulches you’ll find in stores are dyed with chemicals, shipped long distances, and break down quickly. Natural wood chips, on the other hand, are:

  • Chemical-Free: Safe for children, pets, and plants.

  • Locally Sourced: Made from trees in your community, reducing waste and transportation emissions.

  • Long-Lasting: Wood chips break down slowly, feeding nutrients back into the soil for months.

  • Budget-Friendly: Free from LS Trees when available, no more spending hundreds on bagged mulch.

5 Key Benefits of Using Wood Chips in Fall Landscaping

1. Moisture Control for Dry Spells

Wood chips act like a natural sponge, holding moisture in the soil and reducing the need for constant watering. This is especially helpful during dry fall days when you’re prepping gardens or reseeding grass.

2. Weed Suppression Without Harsh Chemicals

A thick layer of wood chips blocks sunlight, naturally preventing weed growth. Less weeding means more time enjoying your yard and less money spent on herbicides.

3. Soil Protection During Cold Snaps

Fall and winter bring temperature swings that can stress root systems. Wood chips provide insulation, keeping soil temperatures more stable and protecting roots from frost damage.

4. Healthier Soil Over Time

As wood chips slowly break down, they release organic matter that improves soil health, aeration, and drainage. Your spring blooms and trees will thank you.

5. Fresh, Clean Look for Your Property

A layer of natural wood chips gives flower beds, tree rings, and pathways a polished, well-maintained look, boosting curb appeal just in time for holiday guests and fall gatherings.

Real-Life Example: Fall Refresh in Cumming, GA

One of our favorite moments last fall was helping a homeowner in Cumming, GA, who had just removed two aging pines that were dangerously close to their home. After the removal, they were left with bare patches of dirt where the trees once stood, a less-than-ideal look for a backyard where their children played.

Instead of buying bagged mulch, the homeowner opted to use free wood chips from their own tree removal. Our crew delivered a fresh load of chips right after completing the job. The homeowner spread them in a clean ring around the remaining trees and lined the edge of a backyard play area.

The transformation was instant:

  • Safety First: The chips provided a soft, cushioned surface for the kids’ play area, making it safer for running and climbing.

  • A Cleaner Look: The yard went from patchy and bare to neat and polished, adding curb appeal and functionality.

  • Budget-Friendly: Because the chips were free, the homeowner saved hundreds of dollars compared to purchasing mulch from a store.

This story is a great example of how LS Trees supports sustainable yard solutions for local families. LS Trees provides free wood chips when available. We help homeowners get more out of every tree job and improve their property without additional costs.

Safety First: Don’t Forget About Stumps and 811

If you’re planning to mulch around recently removed trees, make sure you’ve also addressed the stump. Leaving stumps behind can invite pests and create hazards (not to mention making mulching uneven).

And before any digging or stump grinding, always call 811. This free service marks underground utilities to prevent damage to water, gas, or internet lines, keeping your family safe and avoiding costly repairs.

How to Get Free Wood Chips from LS Trees

Our free wood chip program is available whenever we’re doing removals or trimming in your area. Here’s how it works:

  • Give us a call or email us: Call or email LS Trees to see if we’re in your area doing tree removals. Just let us know where you are located and how much you need.

  • Wait for Availability: If we don’t have any on hand, we’ll let you know when we have some the next time.

Availability can vary by season, so we recommend giving us a call or emailing us before the winter season sets in.

FAQs About Wood Chips

  • Q: Are wood chips safe for pets and kids?

    • A: Yes! Because they’re untreated and locally sourced, they’re ideal for play areas, gardens, and tree beds.

  • Q: Can I use them around trees and shrubs?

    • A: Absolutely. Just leave a few inches between the chip layer and the trunk base to prevent rot.

  • Q: How thick should I apply wood chips for best results?

    • A: A 2–4 inch layer is perfect for moisture retention, weed control, and root protection.

  • Q: How often do I need to refresh wood chips?

    • A: Typically once or twice a year, depending on foot traffic, rain, and sun exposure. Fall is a great time to reapply before winter sets in.

  • Q: Do you deliver outside of Cumming?

    • A: Yes! We regularly service Dawsonville, Alpharetta, Milton, Lake Lanier communities, and other parts of North Georgia.

Why LS Trees is North Georgia’s Choice

When you work with LS Trees, you’re choosing more than just a tree service. You’re choosing a partner who cares about your property and your community.

  • Family-Owned and Local: We’ve been proudly serving North Georgia for 15+ years.

  • Certified, Licensed & Insured: Peace of mind knowing every job is handled professionally.

  • Sustainable Practices: We recycle 100% of the tree material we remove into wood chips.

  • Free Program: LS Trees offers free wood chips to help customers improve their properties at no extra cost.

📞 Ready to claim your free wood chips?

Call LS Trees today at (770) 616-6079 and get on the list for fall deliveries. Mention this blog for $100 OFF stump grinding or trimming when you book your next service. Referrals also recieve a $50 gift card.

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