Tree Chips – Covering Land

Q: During recent flooding in my back yard many tree roots were exposed. I’m having some trees removed and the contractor will leave the chips on my site. Any thoughts on how thick to spread them?

A: This is a great idea. The chips will eventually decompose to replace the topsoil that was washed away. The layer should be no more than a couple of inches thick. In this way no chemicals from the fresh sap will inhibit tree root growth.