Wood chip giveaways set for next week

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin will resume its free wood chip giveaways on June 20 and 21 and various Fridays and Saturdays until the chips are gone, the City will load wood chips from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., weather permitting. Bring a truck or trailer to the wood chip site, and City employees will use heavy equipment to load the wood chips for you. THIS FREE EVENT IS OPEN TO EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF RESIDENCY.

The wood chip site is located 6/10 (six tenths) of a mile north of the intersection of Belle Center Road on North Schifferdecker Avenue, commonly known as Snow Ball Hill between Zora and Belle Center. Look for the sign and turn onto the driveway on the west side of Schifferdecker Avenue.

The chips are derived from many different trees that came down in the December 2013 ice storm. They are then mixed together during the grinding process.

Mike McDaniel, City Arborist reminds residents, “When applied around trees, the mulch should not touch the trunk of the tree. It should resemble a flattened doughnut and be no more than three to four inches deep.” To receive additional information or a printed flyer, contact the Parks Department at 417-624-6937.

Wood chips are effective in controlling soil erosion and insulating plant roots against extreme temperatures. Mulching reduces evaporation thus the need to water, which helps conserve water resources. Placing wood chips around plants and trees also controls weeds thus reduces the need for herbicides, which helps prevent water pollution. Mulch also protects the trunk and surface roots from mowers and string trimmers.

Self-serve wood chips are available at the Joplin Recycling Center, 1310 West A Street. The center is open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The City will offer wood chips in bulk quantities again on July 18 & 19, if supply has not been depleted. Please watch for future announcements. For more information, call the Joplin Recycling Coordinator at 417-624-0820 Ext. 501.