"Noctaire" wrote in message ...
I have a pile of sticks and tree limbs from some trees we cut down along a
fenceline. I had a chipper shredder on loan for a while but could not get
the time to get through them all -- I've left 'em in this pile for over a
year and they're still intact.

I'd REALLY like to encourage these puppies to break down so I can add some
topsoil and even the area out for some PLANNED plantings rather than the
unexpected ones (like pokeweed, which by the way has taken over a large area
of my yard these days). Any suggestions on how to get these breaking down
without renting a chipper shredder?

James

They have to be in contact with something moist. I use those things to
add a bit of humus to the lawn. I just lay them on the lawn and mow
them. For less than half inch thickness, you can do it without damage
to the mower. Once they lay down flat in the grass, they break down
rapidly.