What Happens to a Tree After It’s Removed? Mulching, Chipping, and Green Waste Explained

Many property owners assume that once a tree is removed, everything simply gets taken away and dumped. In reality, professional tree services follow a structured process to reuse, recycle, or responsibly dispose of tree material.

Understanding what happens after tree removal helps you make informed decisions, reduces environmental impact, and can even save you money. This guide explains what typically happens to trees once they are removed, including mulching, chipping, and green waste management.

Step One: Breaking the Tree Down Safely

Once a tree has been safely removed, it is dismantled into manageable sections on site. Large limbs, branches, and the trunk are cut down systematically to allow safe handling and transport.

This step is critical for:

• Site safety
• Efficient processing
• Preventing damage to lawns, gardens, and structures

Professional equipment allows tree material to be processed quickly without leaving a mess behind.

What Is Tree Chipping?

Tree chipping is the process of feeding branches and smaller timber into a specialised wood chipper. The machine breaks the material down into small wood chips, which can then be reused or removed from site.

Chipping is commonly used for:

• Branches and smaller limbs
• Leaves and soft green material
• Reducing waste volume significantly

Wood chips are far easier to transport and dispose of compared to whole branches, making chipping an efficient and environmentally responsible solution.

What Happens to the Wood Chips?

After chipping, the wood chips can be:

• Removed from site as green waste
• Recycled into mulch
• Reused on your property if requested

Many homeowners choose to keep the mulch on site. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and improve soil health over time.

If mulch is not required, it is transported to approved green waste facilities where it is reused or composted rather than sent to landfill.

What About Large Trunks and Heavy Timber?

Large tree trunks and heavy timber are handled differently from branches. Depending on the tree species and condition, timber may be:

• Cut into transportable sections
• Recycled for timber processing
• Removed as green waste

Some hardwood timber can be repurposed, while damaged or diseased wood is disposed of responsibly to prevent spread to other vegetation.

What Is Green Waste Removal?

Green waste includes all organic tree material such as branches, leaves, timber, and mulch that is removed from your property after a job is complete.

Professional green waste removal ensures:

• Your property is left clean and usable
• Waste is disposed of legally and responsibly
• No illegal dumping or burning occurs

Green waste removal is often included in tree removal services, but it is always worth confirming what is covered in your quote.

Can Mulch Be Supplied and Spread On Site?

Yes. Many professional tree services offer supply and spreading of mulch as an optional service.

Using mulch produced from tree removal is:

• Cost effective
• Environmentally friendly
• Beneficial for gardens and soil health

Mulch can be spread around garden beds, trees, or cleared areas to improve the look and function of your outdoor space.

Why Responsible Tree Waste Management Matters

Proper handling of tree waste is not just about cleanliness. It also impacts:

• Environmental sustainability
• Compliance with local regulations
• Long term property maintenance

Using professional services ensures all tree material is processed safely, ethically, and in line with environmental best practices.

What Should You Ask Before Booking Tree Removal?

Before booking a tree removal service, it is reasonable to ask:

• Is chipping and green waste removal included?
• Can mulch be left on site if requested?
• How is large timber handled?

Clear answers upfront help avoid surprises and ensure the service matches your expectations.

Need Tree Removal With Responsible Waste Management?

Professional tree removal should leave your property safer, cleaner, and better than before the work started.

Drouin Tree Services provides complete tree removal solutions, including chipping, mulching, and green waste removal, delivered with professional equipment and local expertise across Gippsland.

Contact us today to arrange an on-site assessment and discuss the best outcome for your property.