GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post

29-04-2006, 09:12 PM posted to rec.gardens

On 28 Apr 2006 15:31:26 -0700, wrote:

Hi. I am wondering if you would recommend a chipper/shredder for what
I would like to do - and if anyone has any recommendations.

I would mainly be grinding up fairly small branches off of shrubs and
understory trees that I have pruned, branches that fall on the ground,
and perennials that I have cut down in the spring, and for grinding up
leaves - though that is not absolutely necessary - since I already have
a leaflbower/shredder and I can also grind up the leaves with my
lawnmower.

I'd like to put the waste in my composter to eventually mulch my
perennial and shrub beds with. All of the ones I see, say they will
take up to 3" branches which seems kind of excessive for what I'd be
doing. Are there ones that are less expensive for just smaller
branches, but that still work, or am I better off going with one that
can handle larger just in case.

Meg

How many (large) trees do you have? If over 100, consider a 8 or 10
HP chipper/shredder. Look carefully at the junction between the
shoot and the chipper/shredder body--it should be a cast piece rather
than a welded piece. That piece takes a lot of stress and you want a
good warranty on your machine. A tight-fitting dust mask, goggles,
ear protection, heavy pants and gloves are recommended.