You can use fresh chips as mulch, people do it all the time. There are municipalities that collect the christmas trees and grind them to freshen up the mulch in paths in parks. Other folks put them in their landscaping beds.

If you mean use it as compost... then yes, you have to let wood chip sit around for a while before it breaks down into compost. Part of the reason why it's popular as a mulch is it can last for a few years before really breaking down.

If you take the time once to mix or layer it in a heap with some of that manure, it will break down much faster than if you let it sit on it's own. That would be cold composting, it can take a while, but still faster.

I would use them as is, nothing better than natural, undyed mulch. I think the Nitrogen thing was found to be untrue, wasn't it?

"I know fresh chips cant be used as mulch due to their depletion of nitrogen."

Not so, as others have said. Mulch goes on the surface. Just don't mix it into the soil. https://teachinggardenpwc.wordpress.com/2020/08/17/myth-buster-do-arborist-wood-chips-deplete-soil-of-nitrogen-and-other-nutrients/

Yes, fresh wood chips can be used as a mulch or top dressing as freely as you wish. The nitrogen tie-up or so-called depletion issue only pertains to wood based products being incorporated into the soil profile, as floral's link explains.

And, remember, that beautiful horse manure compost you already produce also makes a nice mulch for the places where you might not want to use wood chips.

And I definitely use it! I have made wonderful flower beds by using the lasagna method - get rid of weeds, put down cardboard then pile the manure compost on top of that and let it sit - sometimes for a year then put more on if necessary. The soil turns out crumbly, rich and great for growing anything.

Floraluk2, what a great article - thank you! That was just what I needed to read! Having the great manure compost, I would have no need to add the wood chips to the soil, only wanted for mulch. And love the idea that the chips could inhibit weeds! Now I will feel confident using them for a topical application now. Thanks all - much appreciated!

PS: Gardengal, I always like reading your knowledgeable comments on clematis!