Community Chipping Program
Boulder County Wildfire Partners Community Chipping helps residents manage vegetation and reduce slash (small branches, twigs, brush, and small trees) on their properties.
This program supports community safety by fostering a cleaner and more wildfire resilient environment. Homeowner groups of five or more can work together to hold a chipping event in their community.
Download our Community Chipping information handout in English and Spanish:
Who Can Participate?
All residents within incorporated and unincorporated Boulder County can join the program, including those from the City of Boulder, Erie (Boulder County portions), Jamestown, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, Superior and Ward.
What is a Chipping Event?
During a chipping event, homeowners prepare piles of slash in front of their homes. On the scheduled eventdate, a county-approved contractor arrives to chip the piles using a wood chipping machine. The woodchips are then transported to partnering farm sites or Boulder County community sort yards for disposal.
This year, we’ve added more contractors and made it easier for you to host an event. Make sure to read this entire page and the FAQ’s before proceeding.
How the Program Works
Community Chipping is open from April 1st to November 30th
- Organize a Group: One person (the Host) gathers at least four other neighbors to join the chipping event.
- Apply: The Host completes an application for the group.
- Approval: Wildfire Partners reviews the application and notifies the Host of approval within 1-2 weeks.
- Schedule: Upon approval, the Host receives a list of approved contractors and instructions for scheduling the event.
- Coordinate: The Host schedules the event with a contractor and informs the community and Wildfire Partners of the date.
- Educate: The Host educates neighbors on how to prepare their slash piles using the provided guidelines.
- Chipping Day: The contractor chips the slash piles and transports the woodchips to approved sites.
- Payment: Wildfire Partners pays the contractor directly once the work is complete.
Application Information
Before applying, gather the names, addresses, and emails of the participating neighbors. At least five neighbors (including the Host) are needed for approval.
The Express Chipping Application is designed for returning Hosts whose details are the same as a prior approved event in 2025 or 2026.
If your event location, format, contact information or other host details have changed, please complete the standard Community Chipping Application instead.
Chip Donation Site Application
The Wildfire Partners Chipping Program accepts chip donation site applications from farms, private property owners, municipal agencies, and similar land managers seeking to receive clean wood chips generated through community wildfire mitigation efforts. We especially welcome applications from working farms interested in using wood chips for animal bedding, winter road stabilization, or similar operational needs.
To ensure safe, efficient, and appropriate use of program resources, the Wildfire Partners Chipping Program does not provide wood chips for composting projects. Approved sites must be capable of receiving large-volume deliveries, with a minimum request of 10 cubic yards (approximately 270 cubic feet) per drop. Prior to approval, an onsite meeting with the Chipping Program Coordinator is required to confirm access, safety requirements, and site suitability before scheduling contractor chip deliveries.
Contact Information
If you have questions or need additional information, please email Zack Bertges at zbertges@bouldercounty.gov or call 303-678-6168.