Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Measure area and confirm access for delivery

• advise on suitable wood chip type (garden bark, play‑grade, kiln‑dried) and required depth

• light ground preparation: remove weeds, mow/clear vegetation and rake level

• deliver wood chip (bulk or bags) and spread to agreed depth (e.g. 50–75mm for beds; 75–150mm for paths/play areas)

• tidy edges, clear slips onto paths, remove packaging and take away small amounts of green waste

• use PPE when handling material; flag up potential contamination (weed seeds, Japanese knotweed concerns)

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Small garden beds 1–3 hours; medium areas or multiple beds half a day; large areas or complicated deliveries 1–2 days. Factors that extend time include removing old material, restricted access, waiting for a delivery tipper, poor weather and additional edging work

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• what type and grade of wood chip will you supply and is it suitable for play areas

• is delivery included and what size vehicle will be used (will it fit on my street/garden)

• how much depth will you lay and how many cubic metres do you recommend for my area

• do you remove existing material and how do you charge for disposal or skips

• do you have public liability insurance and can you provide references from similar jobs

• are there any risks you foresee on my site (tree roots, drains, Japanese knotweed) and how would you manage them

How to Avoid Surprises

• clear a working corridor and confirm parking close to the garden for deliveries

• mark out the areas to receive wood chip and point out hidden hazards (drains, services, fragile paving)

• agree disposal method and costs beforehand if old material needs removing

• confirm if play areas need certified play‑grade material and check for any safety certificates

• keep pets and children away during delivery and spreading; discuss any contamination/PPE concerns with the tradie