1. Patriot Products CSV-2515
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Patriot Products CSV-2515
Specifications:
- Product Weight: 95 lbs.
- Dimensions: 35″ × 24″ × 37″
- Hopper Size: 14″ × 16″
- Motor Power Use: 14 amps
- Number of Blades: 2
- Functions: Chip, Shred, Mulch
- It Can Manage: Leaves, Branches up to 2½” ø
- Reduction Ratio: 20:1
- Features: Pull Handles, Support Stand, Transport Wheels
- Accessories: Collection Bag, Safety Goggles
- Warranty: 2 Years
To start, we’re going to look at a model that was
rated as “Best Buy” four times in the magazine called Consumers Digest. Less than 3% of the pieces they test receive this title, therefore the Patriot Products CSV-2515 is not a product to be skipped. A second honor is the
approval seal granted by the NHGC
Members after testing.
Performance and Warranty
This product will help you with the yard work by
turning up to 20 bags of foliage into 1 after shredding and chipping. It is much quieter than the gasoline models, and it can plug in into 120V. Thanks to its two blades and 3400 RPM, the machine will chip
wood that is up to 2½ inches in diameter and also does a great job mulching leaves.
The opening of the hopper is 14 by 16 inches, so you’ll have plenty of space to work with. CSV-2515’s motor will draw 14 amps of electricity, so you will need to provide it with a good extension cord that can sustain that power. An interesting detail is that if you choose to buy the 100-foot long extension cord accessory from the manufacturer, they will add one more year to the existing 2-year warranty.
Dimensions, Features, and Accessories
Dimension-wise, this model is towards the medium-large size with 95 pounds in weight and a 37-inch height, but it has
pull handles, a support stand, and two back wheels that will make transportation easier. You can take it on any terrain without worrying that the wheels will deflate. What’s more, the package
includes a collection bag and protection goggles for your convenience. There’s also a jumbo-sized bag available separately that can hold twice as much as the standard bags.
The CSV-2515 knocked it out of the park with a great performance from day one. We decided that we would test it by using the branches and wood pieces we were left with after cutting an older tree from the back of the ranch. The heavy flywheel to which the blade is attached made the operation extremely smooth, with absolutely no issue. One aspect that it didn’t do so well with was chipping a branch that we fished out of a puddle. The leaves got caught and we had to stop the motor to fix the jam. Other than that minor setback, from what we can see it will be able to hold up well, maybe more than a couple of years if there’s no extreme, heavy-duty use involved.
Kevin Perry - Expert Reviewer and Product Tester
Pros:
- 20:1 Ratio
- Suitable for wood and leaves
- Added transport features
- Accessories included
Cons:
- Oddly shaped branches have to be straightened first
- Sap will clog the blades
Verdict:
The CSV-2515 has been a popular choice ever since 2009 for those who have large amounts of leaves and wood they want to get rid of. It comes with a great performance, features that make it transportable, and convenient accessories.
Since it’s not recommended to leave a shredder outside in bad weather or overnight, consider keeping it safe inside an outdoor storage shed that is also waterproof.
2. Landworks LCE06
Specifications:
- Product Weight: 101.2 lbs.
- Dimensions: 30.31″ × 28.74″ × 18.11″
- Hopper Size: N/A
- Motor Power Use: N/A
- Number of Blades: 2
- Functions: Chip, Shred, Mulch
- It Can Manage: Leaves, Twigs, Logs, Branches up to 3″ ø
- Reduction Ratio: 15:1
- Features: 10” All-Terrain PU Solid Wheels, Automatic Feeding
- Accessories: Rubber Cap
- Warranty: 3 Years
Our runner-up is one of the more versatile models available. The Landworks LCE06 makes it easy to get rid of all debris in your yard via
mulching, chipping, or shredding. It uses a very powerful motor, so you can rest assured knowing that it handles tough jobs. What we didn’t like all that much is that the oil needed to fuel the
0.7-gallon capacity tank is more difficult to find than we expected.
Our advice: stock up on it for later use; it’s better this way.
Superior Performance
In the top hopper, you can insert high amounts of twigs and leaves up to half an inch in size to dispose of them. When you are dealing with bigger debris like large limbs, as long as these don’t exceed 3 inches in diameter, you can feed them through the side chute. Seeing how
it has an efficiency ratio of 15 to 1 when it comes to shredding reduction, you can use the small chips it makes for different purposes, including feeding camp fires and making decorations or other creative projects around the garden.
Design & Accessories
One of its most interesting traits stands in the
slanted design of the housing that keeps jams to a minimum. If you have had experience with other wood chippers, jams are a common problem that luckily the Landworks managed to overcome through its design tweak. What we didn’t like as much is that the vacuum attachment and discharge bag have to be purchased separately. Therefore, you have to spend some extra cash to enjoy a complete set. On the bright side, their asking price is low.
Pros:
- Wide chute opening to insert thick limbs and branches
- Makes chips small enough for camp fires and decoration projects
- Side-loading catch bag for easy mulch collection
- Automatic feeding enhances safety in use
Cons:
- The bag doesn’t seal perfectly around the discharge chute
- Compatible oil is hard to come by
Verdict:
With an easy starting engine and a side chute that takes large-size tree limbs while the top hopper handles smaller twigs and leaves, this Landworks model gives you a run for your money. Likely its best trait is the superior blade system that easily picks up what you insert in the chipper system.
3. Sun Joe CJ603E
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Specifications:
- Product Weight: 38.6 lbs.
- Dimensions: 15″ × 8″ × 31″
- Hopper Size: N/A
- Motor Power Use: 15 amps
- Number of Blades: 1
- Functions: Chip, Shred, Forward & Reverse
- It Can Manage: Brush, Twigs, Branches up to 1.73″ ø
- Reduction Ratio: 21:1
- Features: Locking Knob on Hopper, Pull Handle, Support Stand, 7″ Transport Wheels, Eco-Friendly
- Accessories: Collection Bag, Paddle
- Warranty: 2 Years
This Sun Joe model has managed to be our personal favorite pick from the lot as it comes in a compact size with a
motor of 15 amps, a 4000 RPM speed, and a cog-type blade, ready to shred away everything you need it to. From brush to twigs and branches with a diameter of
up to 1.73 inches, the multiple razors of the blade will chop all of it down to a smaller size.
The operation noise is pleasantly low, and a customer has even commented on the fact that it seems as loud as a vacuum cleaner. The ratio you’re going to be looking at is great, as you can go down to 1 bag from 21 bags filled with yard debris. To protect you while you take a break from operating the machine, the CJ603E has an integrated hopper safety knob that locks it when it is open, to prevent any damage to the motor and any injuries that could result from human error.
Handy Features
Pulling this model around will be no hard feat thanks to its 38.6-pound weight that can be rolled on the two transport wheels by pulling on the top handle. To have it sit in one place, simply rest it on its support.
The warranty covers 2 years and the accessories included are a bag and a paddle with which you can push down on the leaves.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- High RPM
- Added transport features
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Won’t mulch finely
- Not suitable for leaves
Verdict:
The CJ603E will do a fine job of cutting down on the volume of branches, twigs, sticks, and brush that has accumulated in your yard without making too much noise either.
4. Eco-Shredder ES1600
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Specifications:
- Product Weight: 75 lbs.
- Dimensions: 22″ × 22″ × 24″
- Hopper Size: 15.3″ × 10.4″
- Motor Power Use: 14 amps
- Number of Blades: 2
- Functions: Chip, Shred, Mulch
- It Can Manage: Leaves, Debris, Twigs, Branches up to 1.375″ ø
- Reduction Ratio: 10:1
- Features: Three-way Feed, Overload Protection Switch, 1.375″ × 2.3″ Rounded Discharge Chute, Pull Handle, Support Stand, 7″ Transport Wheels
- Accessories: Replacement Blades
- Warranty: 1 Year
This Eco-Shredder model is one of the most suitable items to use if you want to chip or shred garden debris you may have that is lingering around.
This product is 2-in-1 as you can chop wood, branches, and twigs with a maximum diameter of 1.375 inches and shred dead plants, debris or leaves. The engine is electric and it runs at 2.5 horsepower while using 14 amps and the blades it chops with are two in number. Both are protected by an overload switch. Furthermore, because it is electric, it does not require much maintenance, and the powerful motor will ensure that the job will get done with no hesitations.
The company has designed it to produce 2800 RPM, so it will work quite fast. This is very impressive if you consider the convenient size it has, 22 by 24 inches. You will be able to store it wherever you want because its size is smaller than that of its competitors.
The ES1600 comes with a three-way feeding system so that you can use the top part of the main unit as a shredding mechanism for smaller-sized twigs or debris, the side part for the bigger branches, and the last part for chipping wood as you wish. Finally, because of its 10:1 ratio, you will be able to make more space in the yard and use the waste on your lawn as you will be left with uniform and highly nutritional waste.
Pros:
- Customers have said that it makes less noise than a lawnmower
- Added transport features
- The overload protection ensures that the machine doesn’t get damaged
- Replacement blades are included in the package
Cons:
- Customers have mentioned that it isn’t as efficient for branches over 1inch thick
- You have to pre-cut larger pieces
Verdict:
With this Eco-Shredder model, you will be able to turn your foliage into nutritional mulch for your garden quite fast, as it comes with a powerful engine that will work for many years to come.
If you’re dealing with massive wood pieces that need to be split rather than chipped, a log splitter can help you in that endeavor.
5. LawnMaster FD1501
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Specifications:
- Product Weight: 25.4 lbs.
- Dimensions: 38.1″ × 19.4″ × 20.5″
- Hopper Size: 12.2″ × 10″
- Motor Power Use: 15 amps
- Number of Blades: 1
- Functions: Chip, Shred, Mulch
- It Can Manage: Wood pieces of up to 1½” ø
- Reduction Ratio: 10:1
- Features: Overload Protector, Pull Handle, Support Stand, 8″ Transport Wheels
- Accessories: Collection Bag, Paddle
- Warranty: 2 Years
The LawnMaster comes with a home-appropriate tool that weighs only 25.4 pounds. This machine
can cut through wood pieces measuring up to 1½ inches in diameter, thanks to the electric motor that uses 15 amps of power. While it is true that you can replace the blade if you need to, that won’t be happening any time soon because the original one is double-sided and it can be flipped to continue performing.
A mentionable detail, however, is that you shouldn’t use it for hardwood with the same diameter dimension, as it is harder to cut and the machine will strain too much. You shouldn’t use it for bamboo or leaves, either. The ratio of existing branches to shredded branches is a usual 10 to 1.
When operating, it makes less noise than a gas-powered type. The FD1501 was also designed with a safety feature that will detect if you overload it and stop its motor to prevent any accidents. Being a smaller machine, it is also slower, so do not rush to put everything in at once or push the wood through faster, because you can easily jam it.
To pull it with you through the yard, it has a handle and wheels integrated, and it also comes with a bag and a push paddle to make your job easier. For a more compact model that can handle a diameter a little bigger, take a look at the PowerSmart PS10.
Pros:
- Overload detection feature
- Double-sided blade
- Push paddle and bag included
- Added transport features
Cons:
- Some customers suggest that it operates slow
- You have to manually clear the chips away to prevent clogging the exit
Verdict:
LawnMaster has managed to provide a practical product for those who need to clear their backyard of extra wood. The FD1501 is reliable, safe, and appropriate for the elderly or beginners.
6. Greenworks 24052
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Specifications:
- Product Weight: 30.6 lbs.
- Dimensions: 33.7″ × 19.9″ × 15.8″
- Hopper Size: 11.8″ × 10″
- Motor Power Use: 15 amps
- Number of Blades: 1
- Functions: Chip, Shred
- It Can Manage: Wood and Branches up to 1.375″ ø
- Reduction Ratio: 10:1
- Features: Pull Handle, Support Stand, 7″ Transport Wheels, Zero Carbon Footprint
- Accessories: Collection Bag, Paddle, Replacement
Blade
- Warranty: 4 Years
This eco-friendly model from Greenworks is a suitable tool to use when you want to chop wood while taking care of the environment as much as you can. The reason we say this is because
it was designed to leave absolutely no carbon footprint, thanks to the electric motor that gives 4000 RPM. And since it does not require fuel change, it is also low maintenance. All you have to do to start the machine is to push the conveniently placed button.
Another reason why we like this budget-friendly product is the number of accessories and features it has that make using it easier. The 24052 has a collecting bag made of durable plastic, replacement blades, a pull handle, big transport wheels, and a support stand to rest it on. You will also get a push paddle that you can employ to feed the wood into the machine. Another one of the eye-catching details is the 4-year warranty, which is double the usual period granted by other manufacturers.
Pros:
- Accessories are included
- Added transport features
- Eco-friendly
- 4-year warranty
Cons:
- Some would have preferred it to operate faster
- Not suitable for greens or wet wood
Verdict:
The Greenworks 24052 is a great pick if you want to enjoy looking after the environment while shredding wood and branches. Not only that, but this item does not require maintenance, so there is no need to worry about this problem.
Have you decided that you’d rather burn some of the larger branches that can’t fit in a chipper? Make the clean-up process fast and easy by using an ash vacuum. This type is specifically made from heat-resistant components to prevent the interior from catching on fire in case the ash hasn’t cooled down enough.
7. Earthwise GS70015
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Specifications:
- Product Weight: 31 lbs.
- Dimensions: 24″ × 18″ × 42″
- Hopper Size: N/A
- Motor Power Use: 15 amps
- Number of Blades: 2
- Functions: Chip, Mulch
- It Can Manage: Twigs, Branches up to 1.75″ ø
- Reduction Ratio: 10:1
- Features: Pull Handle, Support Stand, Transport Wheels
- Accessories: 1.2 Bushel Collection Bin (10.5 gal.), Tamper Tool
- Warranty: 1 Year
Earthwise comes with a model that is medium-sized and not that heavy to pull around.
The GS70015 has a weight of 31 pounds and an integrated pull handle coupled with two wheels, which means that you won’t have to make a huge pile of twigs and branches in the middle of the yard, but instead, you can take the machine to the areas that need its capabilities.
The motor uses 15 amps of power and it starts the two sturdy steel blades up to 4500 RPM to get the cutting done in no time. Once you feed the wood through the hopper with the tamper tool, the machine can chip and mulch, guiding all those tiny pieces to fall through the exit chute to be collected by the 10.5-gallon bin included in the package. This process produces less noise than a lawnmower and zero harmful emissions into the air. With it, you can quickly and easily turn 10 bags of wood into 1 bag of mulch. For the best reduction ratio, the Sun Joe CJ603E remains the top choice.
Pros:
- Compact build
- Easy to clean
- Collection bin included
- Added transport features
Cons:
- Doesn’t shred
- The machine might lag if you rush it, at which point you should stop pushing branches in
Verdict:
For those of you who happen to have an average amount of fall debris they need to take care of, the Earthwise GS70015 can very well be the perfect fit.
8. PowerSmart PS10
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Specifications:
- Product Weight: 33 lbs.
- Dimensions: 37″ × 17″ × 12″
- Hopper Size: 1½” × 5″
- Motor Power Use: 15 amps
- Number of Blades: 2
- Functions: Chip, Shred, Mulch
- It Can Manage: Branches and Sticks up to 1.625″ ø
- Reduction Ratio: 20:1
- Features: Hopper Locking Knob, Pull Handle, Support Stand, Overload Switch, 6″ Transport Wheels
- Accessories: Paddle
- Warranty: 2 Years
Next up we have the PowerSmart PS10.
It fits great as a tool to use for small maintenance chores, as it doesn’t have a large size like the other models presented. The product is designed with
overload protection to keep the motor safe from jamming and a
hopper knob to keep you safe from accidentally hurting your hands when the hopper is open.
The motor uses 15 amps and two blades that rotate at 4500 RPM and have a branch diameter cutting capacity of 1.625 inches. Customers have mentioned that it works quite loud, to the point where you’ll be needing ear protection when the branches are being shredded.
The PS10 is also very mobile. Weighing only 33 pounds and having 6-inch wheels integrated, you’ll be able to travel with it from branch to branch if you want to. By the end of you using it, you’ll notice that it has the capacity of turning 20 bags of branches into one bag of mulch. If you need a model that can take larger branches, nothing beats the 3-inch diameter that the Patriot Products CSV-2515 can manage.
Pros:
- Integrated wheels and handle for easy relocation
- High cutting speed of 4500 RPM
- Added protection features
Cons:
- Not suitable for leaves or wet wood
- Because of its size, it might fall over if placed on an uneven surface
Verdict:
The PowerSmart PS10 features safety details that ensure the longevity of the product and intact hands. You’ll be able to maneuver it around effortlessly and get your branches chopped up in no time.
9. WEN 41121
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Specifications:
- Product Weight: 23.1 lbs.
- Dimensions: 21″ × 16.5″ × 36″
- Hopper Size: 12.2″ × 10″
- Motor Power Use: 15 amps
- Number of Blades: 2
- Functions: Chip, Shred, Mulch
- It Can Manage: Twigs, Foliage, Sticks and Branches up to 1.5″ ø
- Reduction Ratio: 17:1
- Features: Internal Safety Mechanism, Push Stick Holder, Pull Handle, Support Stand, 6″ Transport Wheels
- Accessories: Collection Bag, Push Stick
- Warranty: 2 Years
WEN comes with a model that has a
15-amp motor that will ensure an impressive cutting speed of up to 8000 cuts per minute. This durable and easy-to-operate shredder is the answer for proper work on a small farm. The machine has the ability of up to 130 cuts per second, and its cutting blades are two in number and measure 7 inches. What’s more,
the blades are also double-sided, therefore you won’t have to buy a replacement any time soon since you can simply turn them around or even just sharpen them. With these features, it can chip and shred foliage, sticks, twigs, and branches that measure up to 1.5 inches in diameter. Noise-wise, several customers have labeled it as being moderately loud.
It features an internal safety mechanism that will prevent the machine from automatic start-ups when the top cover is open. What stands out about this product is the fact that it also offers convenience. The 41121 comes with onboard storage for the included push stick, a collection bag, 6-inch wheels, a pull handle, and a stand to keep it steady when you decide on where you want to set it down.
Pros:
- Accessories included
- 8000 cuts per minute
- Added transport features
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Not appropriate for leaves
- Might jam a little when it chops wood that’s at the diameter limit
Verdict:
The WEN 41121 will arrive pre-installed and it will feature all the extra details that will come in handy when you’re cleaning your yard. The service window will last you for some time, as it has a 2-year warranty.
10. Moccha 15Amp Electric Garden Shredder
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Moccha 15Amp Electric Garden Shredder
Specifications:
- Product Weight: 23.5 lbs.
- Dimensions: 15″ × 18″ × 36″
- Hopper Size: N/A
- Motor Power Use: 15 amps
- Number of Blades: 2
- Functions: Chip, Shred, Mulch
- It Can Manage: Brush, Shrubs, Twigs, Branches up to 1.77″ ø
- Reduction Ratio: N/A
- Features: Carry Handle, Overload and Restart Protection, 2HP Engine, Chassis with Wheels, Plastic Leg Caps, Dust and Waterproof Switch Soft Cover
- Accessories: Push Tool, 45L Collecting Bag, 2 Wrenches
- Warranty: N/A
Moccha presents their shredder model that comes with a nice red and black design.
Combined, the two blades, the 4200 RPM, and the maximum cut diameter of 1.77 inches for the twigs or branches you choose to shred are able to get the job done fast. The x shredder is on the medium side size-wise and it is mainly made of steel and polypropylene.
It has a 23.5-pound build and a 15 by 18-inch size, with a 36-inch height. The feeding chute is designed to easily manage slimmer and thicker branches, thanks to its two entryways, thus, you can employ it instead of going for the otherwise back-straining activity of chopping the wood yourself.
The 2HP motor is a 15-amp one, fully copper-made, and it comes with an overload or restart protection feature. The switch is another protected feature, as it sports a soft cap that makes it dust and waterproof. To keep the unit stable, the feet on which it rests come with plastic caps on the ends to prevent slipping and you can move the machine around with the use of the pull handle and the wheels integrated into the chassis. Finally, the package includes accessories in the form of an 11.8-gallon bag to collect into, a push paddle, and two wrenches.
Pros:
- 15-Amp engine
- 4200 RPM blades
- Transport features
- Included accessories
Cons:
- Can be hard to maneuver around
- Reduction ratio isn’t specified
Verdict:
This model from Moccha is a good option for those dealing with a large number of fallen twigs and branches. It can deal with pieces that have a 1.77-inch diameter and the large bag has plenty of space to store the resulting mulch.
The Most Suitable Model for the Area You Live In
Many brands promise and guarantee that their model is the most suitable one for you, but this is not necessarily the case. While it is true that they offer you a lot of useful functions, some of those functions may be the reason you could steer clear instead. For example, the motor’s power type used can determine whether it is suitable for your needs or not.
Below we have a short guide on which type you should buy depending on where you currently live.
Quiet Neighborhood
If you live in a residential area, you must look at the noise level it can reach when you operate it to know if it can pose a problem for your neighborhood. In some instances, areas might even have laws that prohibit the use of loud equipment outside. Luckily, these
electric types aren’t as loud as their gas-powered counterparts, and many models are readily available as well.
Rural Area
Neighbors are quite far apart from each other in rural areas, so
instead, you can focus more on the power of the tool rather than the noise aspect in this situation. We can advise you to lean towards a product with
reversible blades and a high RPM as you’re likely to have to go through many bags of unwanted deadfall wood. Should you have a more heavy-duty use in mind, like chipping a whole tree, then you should probably go straight to a model with an engine that runs on gas and can handle more demanding jobs.
Farm
Just like with rural areas,
living on a farm gives you more freedom when it comes to the noise and power aspects. Therefore you can opt for a gas-powered tool here as well. Just make sure that you have a place safe from mud and bad weather where you can store the equipment after use.
Safety Tips
With any piece of yard equipment, safety precautions are a must and you definitely need to take them into consideration to avoid accidental injury. The measures that apply to these power tools are as follows:
Read the instructions
The first step in regards to safety in use with any product is to
read the instructions provided by the manufacturer. While some use guidelines are generally common, other
products might have their particularities regarding care and functionality, and you must read them out to prevent potential accidents.
Safety Gear
When you take it out of storage to clean out the yard,
equip yourself with gloves made from thick fabric that are not loose (catching risk). This will protect your hands from sharp wood splinters. You should also
avoid loose clothes to prevent getting stuck when the motor is running. As the engines tend to get very loud, we strongly advise wearing
noise-canceling headphones that either reduce the sound or downright eliminate it. Last but not least, always wear
safety goggles, as small wood bits might fly out of the machine and into your eyes.
Unplug it in case something is off
If you believe that the product has caught something or is jammed,
turn it off before you look or reach inside of it. The force of the cutters is high, which would spell bad news if your hand were to get pulled. So, whatever happens, turning it off is a must prior to trying to fix any issues.
Push branches inside at a proper pace
Avoid forcing wood inside but rather take it at a slow pace to avoid damaging the apparatus or hurting yourself. The safest route to take is utilizing a
paddle or a shove stick and pacing the action throughout the process. Should you not own a tool to push with, you can use a longer, thicker branch instead.
What Can Wood Chips Be Used For?
Now that you have a new chipper, or at least you’ve set your mind on one of the models, next comes the detail of having to deal with all the
wood chips that result from using it. Luckily, there are many ways in which you can use these chips and most of them have to do with keeping your garden cleaner and healthier. If you want to know the
10 ways in which wood chips can be helpful, keep scrolling.
Garden Mulch
Keeping your soil healthy can easily be achieved with mulching. As we mentioned in the introduction segment of the article, mulch is a combination of wood chips, bark, leaves, and other components that once placed on the soil they begin decomposing. This creates a nutrient-rich feed that helps the flowers, trees, and other plants by which it’s placed to develop better. It will also regulate the temperature, as wood usually does, keeping the ground warmer during winter and cooler during summer.
⚠ One aspect to consider is that you should avoid adding too much near the plants that are susceptible to disease because the moisture retained by the chips can cause fungi spores that will harm them.
Garden Bed Cover
Going hand in hand with the previous use, mulch can also help during the winter months by protecting unused garden patches. Simply place cardboard or other thick paper layers on the soil and cover them up with a generous amount of wood chips. Then, when spring rolls around, you’ll just have to rake away these layers and you’re going to be left with healthy soil that’s ready to host plants.
☘ You can also use this trick on a grass-filled portion that you want to convert into a garden bed. The weight and lack of sun will keep the grass from growing and it will carve out a perfect spot for your plans. Even better, if you happen to have pesky weeds taking over your lawn, the same method can be applied to get rid of them.
Compost
If mulching is the quickest way to go, compost is something that people with a greener thumb have the patience for. Compost piles are made of four components, the main one being organic matter, which is turned into fertilizer with the help of the other three – oxygen, moisture, and bacteria. Wood chips can make up some of the organic matter, as it’s usually either plant material or manure. You should, however, avoid piling the chips on all at once and instead opt for smaller quantities over longer time periods. At first, finding the right mix between materials can be a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it you’ll only benefit from the leftover fertilizer that you can sprinkle all over your garden.
♻ Tip: The finer the wood chips, the quicker they can become compost.
Soil Erosion Control
Soil erosion is something that happens when certain areas of your yard are affected by water and winds more than others. Most types of erosion happen because of excess water, like sheet or gully, and they can take quite some time to fix. A good temporary fix that holds water and fills in the holes created by the water flow is, you guessed it, covering the affected area with wood chips. If you create generous bedding and fill in the gaps properly, this will provide a short-term solution while you gather the necessary tools to address the problem. The chips will both retain moisture and will help with better drainage.
Downspout Cushioning
Another type of water-caused soil problem is rill erosion. This happens when a constant flow of water runs in the same direction over and over, as is the case with downspouts. To fix this, make small piles in the route that the water takes for them to cushion the continuous stream. After the rainy season is over, you can repurpose this mulch however you see fit around the yard.
Landscaping
To create a nice effect around the yard, you could try using the chips for landscaping. Decorative plants with mulch beds surrounded by white stones can make for a very stylish look. And with all the amount of inspiration available online, even a novice can do a good job with enough time and exercise.
Décor
If you want to create multiple walking paths along your yard but you don’t feel like spending a lot on pavement, or if you simply don’t want to trap the ground underneath, wood chip paths are the answer. This way, you’ll be able to use up every bit of leftovers and have matching paths all around.
⚘ Other ways to decorate with it include adding it to indoor or outdoor pots, creating a patio edge, or adding it to home ornaments.
Playground Flooring
If you’ve recently bought your little ones a backyard playset, you surely know that you have to provide soft flooring for it to be as safe as possible. Although it depends on how high up the tallest fall risk is people usually add a 6 to 9-inch thick layer to prevent serious injuries. The smaller the chips made by the chipper you’re using, the better to cushion the ground.
Fire Starter
When they are dry, given their small size, chips can be very useful to start a fire with. And if you sprinkle a tiny bit of gasoline on them you can get a fire going in no time. This can be useful for boilers, grills, or even campfires, so take a small container with you whenever you can.
Give Them Away
Last but not least, if you either have too many leftovers or you don’t need to use them in any of the aforementioned ways, give them away. Ask your neighbors or local businesses if they require wood chips. Some might take you on the offer and you might even manage to make some friends through this interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric wood chippers worth it?
If you prefer to avoid working by hand or a yard that smells of gas, an electric type can be a lightweight and budget-friendly choice that is worth every penny.
What are wood chippers good for?
They’re good for keeping the autumn wood deadfall under control if the option of disposing of it in a garbage bin, or other methods, isn’t available.
Do wood chippers make mulch?
Yes. These machines can take a branch or and turn it into dime-sized pieces that can later be combined with other plant waste from your yard and become mulch.
What should you not put in a chipper?
The rule of thumb is not putting waste through them. Anything that can stick, clog, or jam the mechanism should be avoided (meat, leftovers), as well as anything that will create an unbearable smell (manure, chicken waste).
Can you use a wood chipper to shred leaves?
The possibility has to do with the model. Some will be good at processing piles of leaves, whereas others might not have enough speed or blades to get the job done. Check the description of it to see if it can handle leaves.
Can you put hay in a wood chipper?
As in the case of leaves, hay might not be the easiest thing to chip, as the cutters might not have enough time for a proper go at it. In this case, you could opt for a bale chopper instead.
Can you put cardboard through a wood chipper?
Yes, cardboard is a safe thing to chop up as long as the cutting diameter is respected and you avoid pushing it too fast. If you do push too fast, you’ll likely cause it to jam the blades and the machine will have to be fixed before further usage.
Can you put green wood through a wood chipper?
Generally, these machines won’t perform positively with green or wet versions of wood, branches, or leaves. The reason is that with the green versions you have more elasticity in the bark or ‘skin’, thus it’s more probable for it to slip off the wood itself and jam the mechanism. A shredder combo on the other hand will perform better with greens.
What is the difference between a wood chipper and a shredder?
The first chips medium to larger pieces into tiny sizes, whereas the latter has a blunt edge that will apply enough force to rip everything apart, preparing the item for compost.
Conclusion
Ideal for every household, these tools will do the job in no time, helping you obtain small dimes of wood quickly instead of spending hours chopping them manually. Therefore, considering our suggestions, you can take your time and decide which one matches the criteria you’re looking for.
Best Electric Wood Chipper for Sale:
Patriot Products CSV-2515
The model taking first place is the pick from Patriot Products. To explain why, we took into consideration the ratio delivered, the types of debris it can manage, the included accessories that transform using it into an effortless activity, and the fact that it is not that difficult to transport. All these qualities make it a top-rated choice that will serve you properly if you require reliable equipment to help you get through the autumn debris.
Editor’s Choice:
Sun Joe CJ603E
Our favorite one is the Sun Joe CJ603E. Other than having the ability to chop and shred just about anything, it can also act in reverse mode at the switch of a button. Other useful details to know about it are its 1.73-inch diameter cutting capability, its transport features consisting of wheels and a carrying handle, and its included accessories – a collection bag and a push paddle.
Best Electric Wood Chipper for the Money:
Greenworks 24052
If your budget is quite restricted but you still need a machine to help control the excess deadfall around your land, the Greenworks 24052 could be your number one option. This model has all the accessories and features necessary for a job well done, while also being eco-friendly and covered by an impressive 4-year warranty.
Best Electric Wood Chipper for Home Use:
LawnMaster FD1501
For regular home use, where you’d most likely have an average amount of debris that needs to be dealt with, we suggest the LawnMaster FD1501. It features overload protection, a bag, a push paddle, transport add-ons, and the cutter is double-sided to give you a long time of use before you’ll need to think about ordering replacements.
Best Electric Wood Chipper for a Small Farm:
WEN 41121
As everyone might know, farm work means tough work, regardless of how far your land stretches. Therefore, for the types of jobs that you’re likely to find there, you won’t go wrong if you put the WEN 41121 in the foreground. It has a straightforward operation, great performance, transport features, and it runs more quietly than what you would expect from a piece of equipment made for this use.