Rosefolly, I was also surprised that the tree companies gave away their wood chips (from healthy oak trees) and would also deliver. Unfortunately, in my area business isn't very good for them so they don't have much (any), and it must be a job in my part of town - not across the county. My free horse manure compost came from an ad that my DH saw on a local classified ad website. We have a lot of horse farms here. Also, I got a price from a local sawmill of $12 a yard, picked up. I didn't think that was too bad for hardwood (but it does add up quick), and we have a pick-up. But I haven't bought any. I think I'll try the tree companies again. Check around, everybody, in your area. You never know what you might find.

Sherry

What good fortune rosefolly! i've been crying the blues for a few months here. Our local composting facility was giving away mulch LOADED into your vehicle (not so hard pushing it off the tailgate but getting it in can be a chore). They changed location and decided to stop the giveaway. Bad news for my heavy clay. Wouldn't even SELL it to me. Finally started selling the stuff again a few weeks ago-$20/yard. Can't entice the tree guys to deliver to my area so i guess i'll be buying.

Thinking about checking at the local animal shelter-noticed they house quite a few bunnies-those bullets have to go somewhere!

noticed they house quite a few bunnies-those bullets have to go somewhere!

*** Pre-digested alfalfa. Nothin' could be finer!

Jeri

Rosefolly, there was a time when we had International paper mill here, one of their largest and it was free for the taking. We loaded our truck up several times per day when we made the 10-mile trip, returned with great wood mulch. We picked the oldest piles because they required less nitrogen, but it was such a good source! I sure miss that. I am not sure now what we will do with all the trees planted specifically for that purpose, but they need to be thinned secondary to the fire hazard they pose. Alas, growing trees -- it's a double-edged sword.

That is awesome, Paula. We just paid for our mulch and it isn't cheap! I didn't think to call the tree services. I've seen people talk about it here but I was a bit afraid of what would be delivered. It's wonderful that they could assure you of the type of wood they would be delivering.

Carol

Actually, I had a bit of a disappointment. At the last minute, the owner of the trees that were removed decided to keep the wood chips himself, darn it. But the tree people will be bringing me the next good load they do in my area, probably within the next week or two. Actually this works out better for me. I really wasn't quite ready, and was scrambling to get set up for it.

Rosefolly

This is recycling at its finest. I love all these exemplary moral tales with happy endings.

Melissa