City of Joplin schedules wood chip giveaway

(From the City of Joplin)

Working on your garden and landscape areas? The City of Joplin will resume its free wood chip giveaway from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15

Bring a truck or trailer to the wood chip site and City employees will use heavy equipment to load free wood chips for you. THIS FREE EVENT IS OPEN TO EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF RESIDENCY. The wood chip site is at 1702 North Schifferdecker Avenue, which 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 in the Joplin area and then mixed together during the grinding process.

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. Chips are also used on foot paths or trails.

Mary Anne Phillips, Joplin’s Recycling Coordinator, stated, “Wood chips are convenient to use around plants, but should never be placed directly against your house, garage or shed.”
Self-serve wood chips are also 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.

For more information, call the Joplin Recycling Coordinator at 417-624-082, ext. 501.