What are the benefits of using wood chips?       • Saves labor – no weeding, less time watering • Saves water – far less watering is needed and there is more water absorption • Safer – no need for chemical weed killers or herbicides • Stimulates growth – mulched trees grow faster than unmulched trees • Makes trees more resistant to disease and insects • Keeps soil and roots from overheating in hot summers • Eliminates injury to trunk from mower collisions • Reduces soil compaction on roots • Nourishes the soil by adding nutrients as it decomposes • Eliminates the need for tilling and resultant root injury • Increase in earthworm population resulting in better aeration • Reduces bruising of fallen fruit under fruit trees (As listed by the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources)