The Different Wood Chippers That Make Tree Removal A Breeze

If you're thinking of cutting down some trees in your yard, one of the issues you will face is what to do with them after they have been felled. You might have the same problem after a storm. Those with an open fire or wood-burning stove will probably want to keep them for firewood, but for many, that won't be an option. If you don't have a truck or trailer, disposal could be a real nuisance. Fortunately, a wood chipper can make tree removal a breeze by ripping them down into small, manageable pieces. These could also be used as valuable garden mulch, which is one of 12 clever ways to repurpose leftover firewood.

Before you decide whether to rent or buy a wood chipper, it's a good idea to know the capabilities of each type. Wood chippers fit into three main categories: drum, disk, and screw. You will also want to think about power source, capacity (the maximum branch size that can be fed in), and discharge method (how it delivers the chips).

Disk wood chippers are probably the most common type. They are usually relatively compact machines that use a rapidly rotating disk with blades set into it. Branches are fed in via a chute. Drum wood chippers are more heavy duty tools. Blades are set into twin rollers and the branches are fed between them. Screw wood chippers use a large screw or auger to create very uniform chips. Although powerful, these are less common.

Your choice of wood chipper for tree removal will, of course, largely depend on the size of trees you are dealing with. A typical garden chipper you might buy online or from a local retailer will have a capacity of 2 to 6 inches whereas those for hire often accept up to 12 inches. Smaller models may be electric and much quieter than gas machines that can exceed 100 decibels. When it comes to collecting the chips, some machines allow bagging, but as you may have seen on TV, large models can throw them way up in the air. This can take a long time to clean up without some kind of large container.

Wood chipper safety is a key issue to keep in mind. Any machine that can chop a tree branch into small pieces will make a real mess of hands and arms. They can also throw out sharp debris. Always wear gloves, a face shield, ear protection, and good boots. Make sure you don't have any loose clothing flapping around that might catch in the machine. Although kids often love to help in the yard, this is one occasion when they need to be kept at a safe distance. The same goes for pets that might distract you and cause an accident. If you have any concerns about operating a wood chipper yourself, hiring a professional is always an option.