How Big of Branches Can a Brush Chipper Handle?

Most commercial brush chippers can handle branches up to about 6 inches in diameter. Branches generally chip best when they are left in longer sections and piled with the cut ends facing the same direction so they can feed smoothly into the machine.

What size branches can usually be chipped?

Most residential brush chipping services use machines capable of handling branches up to about 6 inches in diameter. Smaller limbs, brush, and tree branches typically chip very quickly once the pile is organized.

Branches that work best for brush chipping usually include:

When stacked properly, even large piles of branches can be processed surprisingly quickly.

Why longer branches actually chip better

Many homeowners assume branches need to be cut into shorter pieces before chipping, but that usually isn’t necessary.

In fact, longer branches are often easier to feed into the chipper. The extra length allows the operator to guide the material smoothly into the machine instead of constantly repositioning short pieces.

For best results, branches should be:

If you’re preparing a brush pile for chipping, it helps to follow these simple steps for how to properly prepare branch piles for brush chipping. It can also help to understand whether branches need to be cut before brush chipping.

What happens if some branches are thicker than 6 inches?

Branches larger than about 6 inches in diameter typically cannot go through the chipper. However, homeowners don’t need to worry about cutting everything down perfectly beforehand.

If a few thicker sections are mixed into the pile, they can usually be clipped on site while the rest of the branches are chipped normally.

As long as the pile is stacked neatly and facing the same direction, the job can usually move quickly.

Why brush chipping is often easier than hauling branches away

After trimming trees or cutting down a small tree, many homeowners are surprised by how large the brush pile becomes. Even a modest tree can create a pile of branches that’s difficult to bundle or haul away.

Brush chipping allows the material to be processed directly on site, turning the pile into manageable wood chips and clearing the space much faster.

A Quick Tip From Chip It Guy

If you're stacking branches for chipping, keep the cut ends facing the same direction and place the pile near the driveway or roadside where the chipper can easily pull up. This helps the job move faster and keeps the process efficient.

Brush Chipping Services for Homes in Oakville and Burlington

After tree trimming or small tree removal, large piles of branches can quickly take over a yard. Chipping the material on site is often the fastest way to clear the space without cutting everything into bundles. Chip It Guy provides brush chipping services for homeowners across Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Mississauga and nearby communities. If you have a pile of branches that needs to disappear, you can learn more about our brush chipping service.

Common Brush Chipping Questions

Do branches need to be cut into smaller pieces before chipping?

No. In most cases longer branches are actually easier to chip. As long as the branches are under about 6 inches in diameter and stacked properly, they usually feed into the chipper smoothly.

Can freshly cut branches be chipped?

Yes. Fresh green branches typically chip very well and often feed easily through the machine.

Do leaves and twigs need to be separated from branches?

No. Leaves and small twigs can usually be chipped along with the larger branches.

Got a Large Branch Pile Taking Over Your Yard?

Branches can build up quickly after trimming trees or removing limbs. Chipping them on site is often the fastest way to clear the space and deal with the pile all at once.

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