The Hayward Fire Department is accepting applications for its Fall Chipping program, offering free vegetation chipping to eligible residents as part of an effort to reduce wildfire risk in high-hazard areas.
Applications will be accepted through Oct. 1, with chipping scheduled between Sept. 1 and Nov. 13, or until program funding runs out. Services are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and officials are encouraging residents to apply early.
Residents must cut, gather and stack branches at the front of their property. A city-contracted crew will chip the material at the curb on a scheduled service day.
The program is part of Hayward Fire’s Wildfire Ready East Bay initiative, which aims to help residents create defensible space around homes by removing dry vegetation and tree limbs.
Residents can apply through the 2026 Chipping Program.
Applicants can select a preferred chipping session after submitting a request and will receive an email confirming participation.