Pine tree wood chips

[orrpeople]

We had a gigantic grey pine tree that had to be cut down before it did serious damage (we've had a lot of wet weather and gusty wind, so it was only a matter of time before it came toppling down). Now, we have a lovely pile of wood chips. I would love to integrage them into my chicken runs, but have had mixed comments. I thought I'd turn the question over to y'all - see what you think.
Also, because its a very small world, one of our other byc members @Jessimom had her 100 year old pine removed on the same day and had the same question. So, youd be helping out a couple of California girls with your insights!

It's the tall, multi-topped tree to the far right of the photo.

Heres what's left.

And here is the lovely pile of very good smelling pine chips.

 

[Beekissed]

At this time of year it wouldn't hurt to use them freshly chipped and as they are. If it were warmer weather and that pile was fresh and "cooking", where a wood chip pile gets hot and fungal growth goes into overdrive as the green material of the leaves starts decomposition, I'd say let it cure out awhile until that process is over and then use them in layers, as needed.

Being as you are in CA and might be warm enough to get that fresh pile of chips cooking, I'd let that pile age out for a month or so before using.

 

[Jessimom]

Double post

 

[Jessimom]

This is how we used the start of the wood pile.

This is what is left.