Neighborhood Chipper Program
The Neighborhood Chipper Program is based on a “you cut, we chip” model. Residents are responsible for cutting, gathering, and piling vegetation around their homes to a roadside or drop-off location. We will provide chipping crews who visit neighborhood-by-neighborhood to chip vegetation either back on-site or for removal. Chips will be hauled off at no cost. The program is designed to assist homeowners/residents in maintaining defensible space.
The program is a collaborative effort between Fire Safe San Mateo County, Woodside Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE, San Mateo Resource Conservation District, South Skyline Fire Safe Council, volunteer fire departments, and dedicated community volunteers. It is funded through competitive grants and local support by San Mateo County (Measure K).
2025 Dates Coming Soon
More Information
- For communities within the Woodside Fire District (Woodside, Vista Verde, Portola Valley, Emerald Hills, Skyline) visit the Woodside Fire District website for information on treatment schedules.
- South Skyline communities- visit South Skyline Fire Safe Council’s website for more information on their Chipping Program
- For projects within the San Mateo RCD district boundary (west side of HWY 280), please visit the RCD website for more information
- For more information on the La Honda drop-off chipping event visit the La Honda Fire Brigade website
Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (650) 712-7765 x126
GUIDELINES
To keep the program running smoothly and safely, there are a few easy tips for homeowners participating in this program. Not adhering to the guidelines may result in your pile not being chipped.
Removing Vegetation: Give yourself a few weekends to do vegetation maintenance around your yard.
Piling Vegetation: Homeowners are required to pile vegetation in a pile that does not exceed 10 ft wide, 10 ft long, and 5 ft tall.
Chipping Schedule: Chipping is scheduled for communities for spring, summer, and fall. See above for details on when the chipper visits your neighborhood. Make sure to give yourself enough time to cut and pile your vegetation.
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DON’T |
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Create defensible space to about 100 feet from structures & 30 feet from access roads. |
Piles cannot include roots, stumps, rocks and mud. |
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Cut ends must face the same direction and point out toward the chipper location. |
Piles cannot include poison oak, Scotch or French broom after it seeds, blackberry and vines. |
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Piles must be easily accessible from a private road, driveway, or lane with good access. |
Piles of leaves, pine needles or yard clippings cannot be chipped |
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Piles must be within 8 feet of the road and 5 feet or less in height and about 10 feet long (10x10x5 maximum) |
Piles must be free of all non-vegetative materials (trash, metal, wire, etc). |
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Material to be chipped must be less than 8 inches in diameter. |
This program will not chip for: timber harvest projects, tree farms, new construction or vacant lots. |
DO: DON'T:
FAQ
Who does the chipping? Chipping is done by professional contractors or fire agency crews.
How are neighborhoods selected? Neighborhoods are chosen based on a risk-asset model for communities in unincorporated areas. New neighborhoods may be added as funding becomes available.
How do I get a chipping program for my community? The Chipping Program is looking for new communities for 2022 and beyond. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., for advice on how you can develop a chipping program for your community. Funding for chipping programs is generally reserved for high-priority, fire-risk communities.