What Is ChipDrop?
ChipDrop is a platform that connects gardeners (or anyone with a space to accept wood chips) with arborists who need to dump their chipped tree waste. It’s completely free to sign up and request mulch — gardeners pay nothing (though arborists may receive a small delivery “tip” or donation recommended via the app).
✅ Pros: What Makes It Great
- Free delivery of large volumes of mulch: Many users report receiving tens of yards per drop—often far more than any bagged mulch they’d buy
- Delivered to your property: No hauling needed—just arrange where you want the pile to go
- Eco-friendly and raw material: It’s fresh, natural arborist chips, unprocessed and compostable—ideal for pathways, filling low spots, or suppressing weeds
⚠️ Cons: Key Limitations and Surprises
- Unpredictable timing and volume
You don’t know when wood chips will arrive—it could be within hours or weeks—and you can’t specify a partial load or delivery date . - You can’t choose the wood types
You can list what you don’t want, but can’t request specific species—some users received bamboo shards or undesirable debris, and cleanup can be a chore. - Irregular consistency
It’s not uniform mulch—expect a mix of fine chips, twigs, leaves, bark strips, and sometimes larger lumps. Shoveling it can be surprisingly labor‑intensive. - Fresh and “green” mulch
The chips are moist, warm (sometimes steaming), and include leaves. They may mold or smell, and take time to dry before being spread . - No guarantees or availability in all areas
Some users report never getting a drop at all—even after months or years of waiting. ChipDrop is effectively just the middleman; if no arborist works in your area, you may wait indefinitely.
💬 Real-World Voices
From Reddit (r/landscaping), users shared:
“Be ready to haul more chips than you think you’re getting… Got mine within 24 hours.”
“Had about 1/5 of the load as sharp, hard bamboo shards… nightmare.”
“Each drop has about 30‑50 wheelbarrows full… not pretty mulch but it does the job.”
From permaculture forums:
“I would not bury woodchips … [they] are great as mulch where they have access to abundant air… they do not cause a significant N deficit.” Permies
🧩 Quick Summary Table
| Feature | ChipDrop Reality |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free (unless you choose to tip arborists voluntarily) |
| Volume | Often huge (10–20 yd³), but unpredictable |
| Delivery timing | Same day to several weeks; no scheduling |
| Content quality | Mixed — may include leaves, twigs, debris, occasional logs |
| Garden readiness | Requires sorting; may mold and needs drying before spreading |
| Suitability | Best if you have space, flexibility, and can reuse/share excess |
Is It Worth It?
Yes—if you need lots of wood chips at no cost, you have the space and patience, and you’re okay with whatever ends up in the pile.
Probably not—if you want predictability in timing, clean or uniform mulch, or if you have limited storage or can’t handle a massive pile.
🛠 Tips to Maximize Your Experience
- Specify what you don’t want on the request form (e.g. no bamboo, no large logs).
- Clear enough space—ChipDrop suggests a 15′ × 5′ area for delivery (like in Portland).
- Be ready to share: Coordinate with neighbors or community gardeners if the load is too big.
- Have proper tools: A strong spade, manure fork, or rake helps separate chips and debris.
- Expect green/in-motion wood chips: Some users get mold or steam—also wear a mask if you’re sensitive.
Final Thoughts
ChipDrop does genuinely deliver free mulch—many enthusiastic users confirm it yields tons of arborist wood chips at zero cost. Still, it’s more suited for gardeners who prioritize volume and value over refinement and scheduling.
If you’re looking for clean, uniform mulch on your own timetable, store-bought or local compost facility woodchips might be safer and more predictable options.
