The Community Chipping Program operates only during scheduled weeks for each community, aside from waitlisted participants.

• Participation is first come, first served
• No structure is required on the parcel
• Adequate access is required for a pickup truck towing a 15-foot chipper
• Prepare piles well in advance
• Do not place piles within your defensible space zone—if service is delayed, dry material near your home increases fire risk

Build neat piles with all cut ends facing toward the street or where the chipper will be operated

• Make sure that your piles contain no rocks, metal, mud, poison oak, scotch broom, vines, blackberries, or building materials
• Locate piles on level ground, or on the uphill side of the road, outside of drainages
• Build piles in areas that can be easily accessed with a truck hauling a 15 foot long chipper.
• For operator safety, only include materials that are longer than 3 feet in length
• "Loose" piles are preferable to tightly packed material
• Be respectful of the contractors’ time

Roots or decaying wood

• Pine cones, pine needles, leaves, or yard clippings
• Piles that are over 4 feet high or built over standing vegetation
• Large diameter materials that will not fit through the chipper opening - 8 inch diameter maximum due to potential damage to the equipment.
• Short pieces that will endanger the chipper operators
• Piles constructed or compacted with mechanical assistance (i.e. with a tractor)