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A chipper-shredder is really two machines in one. The chipping mechanism turns tree limbs and branches into chips for use as mulch; the shredding mechanism converts softer materials, such as plants and leaves, into a form suitable for the compost pile. When you shred debris before composting it, you increase its surface area tenfold, which means the debris will take only weeks to decompose instead of months. Most chipper-shredders have one or two hardened-steel blades that measure three or four inches in length. As you feed limbs and branches through the chipping tube or chute, the blades chip them into small pieces The shredding mechanism also has hardened-steel blades. Unlike those of the chipper, which remain in a fixed position, they swing freely and number from eight to 28, depending on the manufacturer. To shred something, load the materials into the chute or hopper, and let the machine do the work Wood chips can be used just as you would use packaged wood mulch, but as they decompose, fresh wood chips rob a great deal of nitrogen from the soil. For that reason, you should compost them for up to a year or add a generous dose of blood meal-basically pure nitrogen-on top of the chips and water well. |
