The tree chippings will be largish hunks of shredded wood which are not as pretty as regular mulch and not so great to walk on, fine for covering bare ground to save moisture and suppress weeds.

ah, I understand. Thank you!

I decided to get a second quote and am elated because this guy is $4000 cheaper! I’ve seen both of their crews remove neighbor’s trees and both crews are meticulous. He should get to it next week, so I will definitely ask him about keeping the chips. :)

I use mountains of them If the chips include leaves they will quickly break down into a fine mulch that looks less like wood chunks and more like a compost. Odd that an arborist is discouraging it.

I have used many arborists by now and always the price is LESS if they can leave the chips (and firewood). So ask how much theyll DISCOUNT if you let them leave either! Otherwise they have to pay to dispose of them. I am afraid you are being taken terrible advantage of. You shoild always get multiple bids because prices vary vonsiderably due tobthe kind of equipment they own or have to rent. If you want the wood, make sure to have it cut in lengths that fit your fireplace!