We need your help!
To help keep costs down, mitigate erosion, improve moisture retention, and enrich the health of the soil, we need the help of homeowners to spread wood chips. The first three loads of wood chips have been spread by a small group of volunteers on the east side of the property. Loads four (east side), five (east side), six (south-east side), and seven (south side) are ready to be spread.
Any amount of help is needed and greatly appreciated and helps free up funds for other critical projects!
Details are below. If you have any questions, please reach out to the board.
How You Can Help
One of the best ways we can keep our HOA dues from rising is by pitching in when we’re able—especially for projects like spreading wood chips. It’s a perfect example of how a little bit of elbow grease goes a long way.
By volunteering just a bit of time to help move and spread the chips, we can enhance curb appeal, improve soil health, retain moisture in garden beds, and prevent weeds—all without paying for outside labor.
We need volunteers to help spread the chips 2–4 inches deep in flower beds and bare areas around the property.
Basic Instructions for Spreading Chips:
- Gather supplies: A wheelbarrow, shovel or pitchfork, and rake are helpful. (Ask a neighbor to borrow their supplies if you don’t have any.)
- Depth matters: Aim for 2 to 4 inches of coverage. Too little won’t retain moisture; too much can smother plants. When in doubt, if there are no plants in the area, aim for 4 inches of coverage.
- Keep clear zones: Avoid piling chips directly against tree trunks, shrubs, or home siding to prevent rot and pests.
- Rake smooth: Spread chips evenly to create a tidy, finished appearance.
Want Chips for Your Own Yard?
Homeowners are welcome to take as many chips as they need for their front yards. Just bring your own container and tools. The HOA will not spread woodchips in front of people’s homes.
Why Wood Chips Instead of Barkdust?
According to the 2025 reserve study, installing barkdust professionally would cost over $20,000, Barkdust is also lighter and often gets blown away by landscaping tools—not a good long-term investment. In contrast, wood chips:
- Stay in place
- Improve soil health over time
- Improve soil moisture retention
- Suppress weeds
- Mitigate erosion and dust
- Cost the HOA nothing
This is how we keep our dues down while still maintaining a beautiful community. It’s a great return on a small investment of time and energy.
So grab a shovel, bring a wheelbarrow if you’ve got one, and join us! Every load spread helps protect our property—and our wallets.
