Community Chipping

Community Chipping Program

Boulder County has started the 2025 Wildfire Partners Community Chipping season to to help 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.

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.

1. Organize a Group: One person (the Host) gathers at least four other neighbors to join the chipping event.
2. Apply: The Host completes an application for the group.
3. Approval: Wildfire Partners reviews the application and notifies the Host of approval within 1-2 weeks.
4. Schedule: Upon approval, the Host receives a list of approved contractors and instructions for scheduling the event.
5. Coordinate: The Host schedules the event with a contractor and informs the community and Wildfire Partners of the date.
6. Educate: The Host educates neighbors on how to prepare their slash piles using the provided guidelines.
7. Chipping Day: The contractor chips the slash piles and transports the woodchips to approved sites.
8. Payment: Wildfire Partners pays the contractor directly once the work is complete.

Before applying, gather the names, addresses, and emails of the participating neighbors. At least five neighbors (including the Host) are needed for approval.

Contact Information

If you have questions or need additional information, please email Zack Bertges at zbertges@bouldercounty.gov or call 303-678-6168.