I'm starting a new garden on a piece of unfenced land with no structures, and I need to spread a large amount of wood chips. I have a truck, but I'm looking for budget-friendly and back-saving methods to drag or spread the chips without renting an excavator. Any tips or creative ideas would be appreciated! And if renting machinery is suggested, what would be the best option for a complete novice? Thanks!
3 Answers
If you're looking for a manual approach, one method that works well is to lay out tarps where you want the chips to go before they arrive. Then, when the delivery comes, you can drag them around with your truck by attaching them to the back. It's a bit messy, but it saves a lot of work since you can just shovel onto the tarp and move it around easily. And don’t forget a plastic scoop shovel—it's super handy for moving a lot of chips!
You might want to consider renting a dingo; it's a small, walk-behind compact utility loader that’s easy to operate, even for beginners. It's great for spreading wood chips efficiently without a lot of physical effort. Just make sure to ask the rental place for a quick tutorial when you pick it up!
Another simple method is using a rake or dragging a board. A landscape rake can help spread the chips evenly, or you could even go old school with shovels and rakes. If you have a wheelbarrow, that can be a lifesaver too. Just load it up and spread it around! Good luck with your garden!
Thanks for the tarp idea! That sounds like a solid plan. I'll definitely try using the scoop shovel too!