After the atmospheric river rain dump last November, I started walking through water puddles in my backyard. “These low areas could be raised with some wood mulch,” I thought.  I had ordered wood chips before at https://getchipdrop.com so I decided to order a load of FREE WOOD CHIPS. Unfortunately, free has its price when you order the load can be up or more than 20 cubic yards. How much is a cubic yard? It is equal to 27 cubic feet. So, 20 x 27 equals 540 cubic feet or 270 plus wheelbarrow trips. 

When you go to the website check off what you will accept in the load. Next, make sure you have somewhere to put the wood chip load.  I have a long driveway so there is plenty of space for chips.  I got a text shortly after that and a load of chips would be coming tomorrow.  I had planned to take the car out of the garage prior to delivery. But the load was at my doorstep at 7:45 AM. I should have gotten the car out of the garage, but I said,” surely I can move enough chips to get it out in a day.” Hah, who was I kidding? Take the time and move the car. Remember that's 270 plus wheelbarrow trips!

Needless to say, with the help of a neighbor, I was able to make a hole big enough for my car to get through, it only took three days.

Why wood chips? Wood chip mulch can provide excellent water retention.  In drought times, this could be a lifesaver for your plants. The savings alone in water are worth using wood chips as mulch.  I also use wood chips to keep weeds in check.  You can also add a layer of cardboard before you lay down the layer of wood chips, this will further inhibit weed growth. Eventually, the wood chips break down leaving organic material for your plants.

Well, I definitely forgot how much time and effort 270 wheelbarrow trips take. It's a good thing I have time on my hands, a sturdy wheelbarrow, and a strong back. My suggestion is to have friends come over to help, better yet have them bring trucks and share the wood chips.  Free, free, free!