Dominion prunes
and removes trees on a scheduled cycle as part of our rights-of-way maintenance
program. Trees and limbs that come in contact with electric lines
are a leading cause of power outages especially during storms.
A by-product of these forestry efforts is shredded
plant material that can be used by consumers as a mulch. This material
can be obtained from Dominion in certain areas within Virginia.
Request Process
Shredded plant material is free of charge and
without a warranty of any kind. Dominion assumes no liability for the
recipient's use of the material.
Dominion offers the material on a first-come, first-served
basis in areas where we are currently working. Shredded plant material is only
distributed when available in full loads, 3 to 5 standard pickup loads, or
8 – 10 cubic
yards in size, delivered to your property.
To
place an order, first review the information below, then read our terms
and conditions prior to completing a request form.
Description and Considerations
Shredded plant material is a mixture of shredded bark,
wood chips, twigs and leaves from tree-trimming operations. This
material may come from many tree species, is irregular in shape and
color, and may also contain rakings. It is not typically
as attractive as other types of commercial mulch, but can serve well as a mulch
if fine texture is less important.
The shredded plant material is fresh, or "green," and
may be too acidic to be placed around some plants without damaging them. Consequently,
the material should be allowed to age (i.e., composted) before being placed
in an ornamental flowerbed or used as a mulch around trees or in other gardens.
It is best used as compost for amending garden soils.
As with any commercial product, shredded plant material
should be used in a manner that protects the user and the environment. Therefore,
this material should only be used for mulch, landscaping, animal bedding and
erosion control.
Benefits
There are many benefits to mulching with
shredded plant material. Less weeding is required, and the material
absorbs more rain so less watering is needed. Mulched trees grow faster
than unmulched trees, and trees are more resistant to disease and insects.
The material
also keeps soil and roots from overheating during the summer. In addition,
shredded plant material nourishes the soil by adding nutrients as it
decomposes. It also reduces soil compaction over roots and increases earthworm
population, resulting in better aeration.
To
place an order, first review the information below, then read our 
