What types of branches and brush can be chipped?
Most residential brush chippers are built to process branches, shrubs, and woody brush. Clean tree limbs without dirt, stones, or metal are ideal for chipping. Fresh green branches generally chip very easily, while older dry branches may chip a bit slower but are still acceptable.
Brush piles that come from pruning shrubs, trimming hedges, or removing small trees are typically perfect candidates for brush chipping. If you’re preparing a pile for pickup or chipping, it helps to follow a few simple guidelines. You can learn how to properly prepare branch piles for brush chipping to make the process faster and more efficient.
What should never go through a brush chipper?
Certain materials can damage a chipper or create safety hazards.
Avoid feeding materials such as:
- branches covered in thick dirt, soil or mud
- vines that wrap around the chipper drum
- pressure-treated lumber or construction wood
- roots or stumps with rocks attached
- garbage, plastic, or metal
Keeping brush clean and free of debris helps the machine operate safely and efficiently.
Do leaves and small twigs work in a chipper?
Small twigs and leafy branches usually chip well when they are mixed in with larger branches. If a pile contains mostly loose leaves, they may pass through the machine without producing good chips.
A mixed brush pile with branches and twigs generally produces the best results.
What size branches can be chipped?
Every machine has a maximum diameter capacity. Most residential brush chippers can handle branches up to about 6 inches in diameter. If you’re unsure whether your pile contains branches that are too large, you can learn more about how big of branches a brush chipper can handle.
Branches larger than the chipper’s capacity usually need a larger chipper or should be disposed of differently.
