A typical 24-inch stump produces 1-2 cubic yards of wood chips—enough to fill 15-20 garbage bags. Here are five practical ways to use or dispose of them instead of letting them pile up in your yard.

How Much Wood Chips Will You Have?

Stump diameter determines chip volume:

Stump Size	Wood Chip Volume	Equivalent
10-15"	0.25-0.5 cubic yards	3-6 garbage bags
20-28"	1-2 cubic yards	12-24 garbage bags
32-42"	3-5 cubic yards	36-60 garbage bags
50"+	6-10+ cubic yards	72-120+ garbage bags

Option 1: Use as Garden Mulch (Best Choice)

Pros:

• Free mulch (buying 2 cubic yards costs $50-$100 retail)
• Suppresses weeds, retains soil moisture
• Breaks down slowly, adding organic matter to soil
• Natural, chemical-free

How to Use:

1. Spread chips 2-4 inches deep around trees, shrubs, and flower beds
2. Keep chips 3-6 inches away from plant stems (prevents rot and pest issues)
3. Water thoroughly after spreading (helps chips settle and start decomposition)

Cons:

• Fresh chips can temporarily tie up soil nitrogen as they decompose (add nitrogen fertilizer if planting immediately)
• Chips from diseased trees (e.g., oak wilt, ash borer) can spread pathogens—compost for 6-12 months first or use in non-planted areas
• Not ideal for vegetable gardens (better for ornamental beds and around trees)

Option 2: Create Compost

Pros:

• Turns wood chips into nutrient-rich soil amendment
• Kills pathogens from diseased trees (if composted properly at 130-150°F)
• Finished compost improves soil structure

How to Compost Wood Chips:

1. Create a pile at least 3' x 3' x 3' (smaller piles don't heat properly)
2. Mix chips with "green" materials (grass clippings, kitchen scraps, manure) at 3:1 ratio (3 parts chips to 1 part greens)
3. Keep pile moist (like a wrung-out sponge)
4. Turn pile every 2-3 weeks to aerate
5. Compost will be ready in 6-18 months (wood chips decompose slowly)

Cons:

• Requires space and time (12+ months for full decomposition)
• Needs regular maintenance (turning, watering)
• May attract rodents if food scraps are included

Option 3: Use as Pathway Material

Pros:

• Creates soft, natural-looking garden paths
• Suppresses weeds in walkways
• Drains well (no puddles)
• Easy to install (just spread and level)

How to Install:

1. Clear pathway of grass and weeds
2. Optional: Lay landscape fabric underneath (prevents weeds)
3. Spread chips 3-4 inches deep
4. Rake smooth and tamp down
5. Add more chips annually as they decompose

Cons:

• Breaks down over time (requires annual replenishment)
• Can stick to shoes when wet
• Not suitable for high-traffic areas (driveways, main entrances)

Option 4: Fill Low Spots in Your Yard

Pros:

• Levels uneven areas (erosion spots, old root holes)
• Improves drainage in low-lying areas
• Decomposes into soil over 2-3 years

How to Use:

1. Fill low spots with chips to just below surrounding grade
2. Top with 2-3 inches of topsoil
3. Seed or sod over the topsoil

Cons:

• Area will settle as chips decompose (may need to refill annually for 2-3 years)
• Not suitable for large depressions (use soil instead)

Option 5: Have the Contractor Remove Them

Pros:

• Zero effort—chips disappear with the contractor
• Immediate cleanup
• No storage needed

Cost: $50-$150 per load depending on volume and disposal fees in your area

Cons:

• Extra cost (you're paying for free mulch material)
• Wasteful if you have any use for chips on your property

When It Makes Sense: Small urban properties with no landscaping needs, or if chips are from diseased/invasive species you don't want on your property.

What NOT to Do With Wood Chips

• Don't pile against your house: Creates moisture problems and attracts termites/carpenter ants
• Don't use fresh chips in vegetable gardens: Nitrogen tie-up can stunt plant growth
• Don't put chips in municipal trash: Extremely wasteful and may violate waste disposal rules
• Don't pile too deep (6"+) around trees: Can suffocate roots and create disease problems
• Don't ignore diseased tree chips: Compost them first or use away from healthy trees

Bonus Tip: Offer Free Chips on Craigslist/Facebook

Gardeners, landscapers, and mushroom growers often want free wood chips. Post "Free wood chips from stump grinding—self-haul" on local classifieds. Your pile can disappear in 24-48 hours, especially in spring.

The Bottom Line

Best for most homeowners: Use as garden mulch (free, immediate use, improves landscaping)

Best for eco-conscious DIYers: Compost for long-term soil health

Best for minimal effort: Pay contractor to haul away (worth it for small properties with no landscaping needs)

Get stump grinding quote with chip removal options →