Free Chipping for Arroyo Grande Residents

ARROYO GRANDE, CA - The City of Arroyo Grande, in collaboration with the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council and the Five Cities Fire Authority, will host a free residential chipping event beginning Tuesday, January 13, 2026, for residents who live within designated Fire Severity Zones. The program is part of an ongoing effort to reduce hazardous fuels and mitigate wildfire risk throughout the community.

Residents must have eligible vegetation prepared and placed by Monday, January 12, 2026. Chipping crews will begin work on January 13 and continue throughout the week. There are no scheduled appointment times, and residents do not need to be present during chipping operations.

Residents wishing to participate must sign up in advance at:
https://FireSafeSLO.org/Chipping

Participation is limited to properties located within designated Fire Severity Zones, and all piles must meet program requirements. Piles that do not comply with guidelines will not be chipped and will be left in place. Crews will not limb trees or move vegetation piles to the roadway.

Chipping Guidelines

Pile Size and Configuration
• Maximum pile size is 20 feet long by 4 feet wide by 4 feet high
• One linear pile per reservation
• Tangled or "beehive" piles will not be accepted

Accepted Materials
• Vegetation only
• Branches less than 8 inches in diameter

Pile Placement
• Piles must be placed within 5 feet of an accessible roadway
• Do not block roadways, driveways, or fire hydrants
• Piles must be clearly visible and accessible to crews
• Avoid placement on muddy or soft dirt roads

Preparation Tips
• Stack materials neatly with cut ends facing the street
• Do not bag or tie vegetation
• Piles must be ready by 8:00 a.m. on January 13, 2026

Materials not accepted include lumber, root balls, palm, yucca, and poison oak.

This project is grant-funded by the San Luis Obispo County Community Fire Safe Council. The City of Arroyo Grande appreciates residents' cooperation and participation in helping reduce wildfire risk and protect the community.

For additional information, please contact:
[email protected]