Want a cheap solution that minimizes time spent weeding and watering your garden? Add a layer of mulch. You can even get it free if you haul your own from one of the many municipal piles.
When tree trimmers from local public works departments mulch branches and leaves, residents can bring their own shovels and bags to the sites listed below. Concerns about insects or disease infecting yards are unwarranted, said Ralph Sievert, director of Forestry at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. "The pests, including bark beetles, don't like the shredded material," he said. Cities use the mulch on public property, but don't use the chips from ash trees. Minneapolis doesn't distribute the ash chips to the public sites, said Sievert.
Selection and hours of pickup vary by site, so call first. Sites might be open selected weekdays, evenings and weekends. Most of the sites offer compost only in early spring and supplies are already depleted for this year. Wood chips will be available at various times from spring to fall. Some sites require proof of residency.
BROOKLYN CENTER
Wood chips near the south parking lot of City Hall at 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy.
More info: 763-569-3380, www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
BROOKLYN PARK
Wood mulch near the Central Park parking lot at 83rd and Noble Avenues N.
More info: 763-493-8006 or www.brooklynpark.org/sitepages/pid935.php
MAPLE GROVE
Compost at the yard waste site at 14796 101st Av. N.
