Neighborhood Chipper Program

The Neighborhood Chipper Program is based on a "you cut, we chip" model. Residents cut, gather, and pile vegetation from around their homes at a roadside location, and chipping crews visit neighborhood by neighborhood to chip the material back on site or haul it away at no cost. The program exists to help you maintain defensible space.

The program is a collaborative effort between FIRE SAFE San Mateo County, the Woodside Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE, the San Mateo Resource Conservation District, the South Skyline Fire Safe Council, volunteer fire departments, and dedicated community volunteers. It is funded through competitive grants and local support from San Mateo County (Measure K).

Schedules by Area

Download the current chipper program flyer (PDF)

Woodside Fire Protection District (Woodside, Vista Verde, Portola Valley, Emerald Hills, Skyline): see the Woodside Fire district website for treatment schedules.
South Skyline communities: see the South Skyline Fire Safe Council chipping program.
San Mateo RCD boundary (west of I-280): see the San Mateo Resource Conservation District.
La Honda drop-off chipping events: see the La Honda Fire Brigade.

Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (650) 712-7765 x126.

Pile Guidelines

A few simple rules keep the program running safely and efficiently. Piles that do not meet the guidelines may not be chipped.

Give yourself a few weekends to do the vegetation work, and time it to your neighborhood's spring, summer, or fall chipping window.

Do

Create defensible space out to about 100 feet from structures and 30 feet from access roads.
Point all cut ends the same direction, out toward the chipper location.
Place piles within 8 feet of a private road, driveway, or lane with good access.
Keep piles to 10 feet wide by 10 feet long by 5 feet tall, maximum.
Keep material under 8 inches in diameter.

Don't

No roots, stumps, rocks, or mud.
No poison oak, no Scotch or French broom after it has gone to seed, no blackberry or vines.
No loose leaves, pine needles, or yard clippings; they cannot be chipped.
No trash, metal, wire, or other non-vegetative material.
Not for timber harvest projects, tree farms, new construction, or vacant lots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does the chipping?: Professional contractors or fire agency crews.
How are neighborhoods selected?: Neighborhoods are chosen using a risk-and-asset model for communities in unincorporated areas. New neighborhoods are added as funding allows.
How do I get a chipping program for my community?: Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for advice on developing a program for your community. Funding is generally reserved for high-priority, fire-risk communities.