What To Do With Wood Chips from a Chipper Shredder
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Do you have a chipper shredder and an abundance of wood chips? If so, don’t fret – there are plenty of things you can do with them! In this blog post, we’ll share some ideas on how to put those wood chips to good use. So read on for inspiration, and start making the most of your wood chip stockpile!
Most people don’t know much about wood chips, but they are very valuable objects that are a great resource that can be put to a variety of different uses. Since many people don’t know where and how to use them effectively and productively, we’ve put together this list of practical ideas of what to do with wood chips from a chipper shredder.
Related: How to Clear Land of Small Trees and Brush
GARDENBEAUT S3 Wood Chipper Shredder
What To Do With Wood Chips
1. Mulch
Mulch is perhaps the most popular use for wood chips. It can help your plants maintain moisture in the soil, which is vital for their proper growth and production. Mulch will also inhibit weed growth, allowing you to save time from weeding and consequently save money on conventional pesticides or other harmful chemicals used to destroy weeds.
Mulch also helps to keep the soil warm, reduce evaporation, and retain water more effectively. It ensures that the plants will get more water and will be overall healthier as a result.
Most homeowners need to buy mulch every year for landscaping or flower beds, but if you have wood chips, you can make your own mulch and save money.
2. Garden Beds
Wood chips make a great addition to garden beds because they help improve drainage while still providing nutrients to the plants. They also help to keep weeds at bay and can add essential nutrients to the soil as they break down.
Plus, using wood chips in your garden is a great way to recycle them. And since you just created them you don’t have to worry about any potential chemicals and pesticides that may potentially harm your plants in wood chips that you might purchase.
To use wood chips in your garden beds, simply spread them around the base of the plants. You can also use them as mulch, which will help to keep the soil moist and cool in the summer months.
3. Compost
When considering what to do with wood chips, another great way is to add them to your compost. They’ll help the process along by providing essential carbon for the microbes that are breaking down the organic matter in your compost pile. This will speed up the decomposition process and result in high-quality compost that you can use on your plants and gardens.
The first thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need smaller wood chips to keep your compost pile balanced. Bigger pieces won’t break down as well.
You basically make do with what you have, which will help you save money in the long run. A wood chipper is undoubtedly a product worth checking and trying out if you don’t already have one because of its potential to make compost!
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4. Paths and Walkways
Another creative way to use wood chips is to create paths or walkways in your yard with them. This is a great option if you have areas of your yard that are particularly muddy or wet, as the wood chips will absorb some of the moisture and help to keep things dry.
Plus, they’ll provide a nice, natural-looking surface for you to walk on. You can even add a little bit of curb appeal to your home by using different colors or types of wood chips in your design.
The wood chips will smooth the landscape and keep weeds at bay on walkways and trails. You should consider putting down a weed barrier before laying the wood chips on the walkway to prolong its life. The walkway should also be graded carefully, if possible.
Related: How to Fix a Muddy Yard
5. Erosion Control
If you have areas in your yard that are prone to erosion, wood chips can be used to help control it. This is because they’ll bind together and form a barrier that will help to prevent soil from being eroded away by water or wind.
You can use wood chips to create berms, which are basically small walls of earth that are built up to act as barriers. They’re often used in gardens to direct water away from sensitive areas, but they can also be used on a larger scale to help with erosion control.
Again, using your own wood chips proves to be a free solution for a potentially costly problem. Of course, if you want a long-term plan, speak to a landscaper about proper irrigation solutions for your yard.
6. Surface for a Play Area
If you have young children, wood chips make an excellent surface for a play area. They’re soft, so kids will be protected if they fall, and they’re also absorbent, so they won’t get too hot in the summer sun, and they dry off relatively quickly after rain.
You can use them around swing sets, slides, or any other playground equipment you might have. Just make sure that the depth of the wood chips is appropriate for the height of the equipment to avoid any accidents.
7. Fire Starter
Wood chips are also great for starting fires. If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, you can use them to help get the fire going. Just put a few handfuls of wood chips on top of the kindling and light it up.
The wood chips will help to ignite the kindling and get the fire going quickly. You can also use them in a campfire or bonfire. They’ll provide some extra fuel to keep the fire burning, and they’ll also add a nice smoky flavor to your food if you’re cooking over the fire.
8. Animal and Livestock Bedding
Another great way to use wood chips is as bedding for animals that need a comfortable place to sleep. This is particularly helpful if you have chickens or other livestock that spend time outdoors. The wood chips will absorb their waste and help to keep things clean and dry.
They can also be used as bedding in rabbit hutches or dog kennels. And by making your own there is no need to worry about harmful chemicals that could exist in wood chips you are purchasing, that could be harmful to your animals.
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To use wood chips as animal bedding, simply spread them in the animal’s enclosure. You can also add a layer of straw on top for extra comfort. Just be sure to change the bedding regularly to keep it clean and fresh.
The wood chips can also help to control odors.
9. In Garden Sitting Areas
If you have a garden, you can use wood chips to create sitting areas. This is a great way to add a bit of extra seating without taking up too much space. You can simply spread the wood chips in an area that you want to use for sitting, and they’ll provide a comfortable surface for you to enjoy the garden. Just place a chair or bench on top of the wood chips.
You can also use them around trees or other garden features to create a natural-looking border. Just make sure that the chips aren’t too close to the roots of the plants, as this could cause problems.
10. Adding Nutrients to Your Soil
Wood chips can also be used to add nutrients to your soil. This is because they break down over time and release nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients into the soil. This is a great way to improve the health of your plants and help them to grow more quickly.
To use wood chips as fertilizer, simply spread them around your plants and rake them into the soil. You can also add them to your compost pile to speed up the decomposition process.
Just be sure not to use too many, as this could cause problems with the pH of your soil.
11. Grilling and Smoking Food
Wood chips can also be used for grilling and smoking food, which is a creative way to figure out what to do with wood chips. This is also a great way to add flavor to your favorite recipes. Simply soak the wood chips in water for about an hour, then drain them and put them on the coals of your grill.
You can also smoke food with wood chips by placing them in a smoker box or wrapping them in foil and placing them on the coals of your grill. Just be sure to use a light wood like apple or cherry so that the flavor isn’t too overwhelming.
12. Growing Mushrooms
Wood chips are also a great substrate for growing mushrooms. This is because they’re full of the nutrients that mushrooms need to thrive. To use wood chips for mushroom cultivation, simply soak them in water for a few days, then drain them and place them in a plastic bag.
Poke some holes in the bag to allow airflow, then place it in a dark, humid place. The mushrooms should start to grow within a few weeks.
13. Make Biofuel
Wood chips can also be used to make biofuel. This is a renewable energy source that can be used in place of gasoline or diesel. To make biofuel, simply process the wood chips in a biomass gasifier.
This will convert the cellulose in the wood chips into gases like methane and carbon monoxide. These gases can then be burned to generate power.
Related: How to Kill Weed Trees
With so many great options with what to do with wood chips from a chipper shredder, it might be hard to determine what to try first!
Landworks Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
Frequently Asked Questions
Do wood chips absorb water?
Yes, wood chips are highly absorbent and can be used to soak up water from spills or leaks. Just be sure to change the chips regularly so that they don’t become saturated and start to rot.
Do wood chips turn to dirt?
Wood chips will eventually break down and turn into compost. This process can be accelerated by adding them to a compost pile or tilling them into the soil.
Are wood chips flammable?
Yes, wood chips are flammable and should be used with caution around open flames. Just be sure to soak them in water before using them on a grill or in a smoker.
Can I burn wood chips?
Wood chips can be burned in a fireplace or wood stove. Just be sure to use them sparingly, as they will produce a lot of smoke.
How long do wood chips last?
Wood chips will eventually break down and need to be replaced. The amount of time this takes will depend on the type of wood and the conditions they’re kept in. Hardwoods will last longer than softwoods, and chips that are kept dry will last longer than those that are constantly wet.
Do wood chips prevent weeds from growing?
Yes, wood chips can help to prevent weeds from growing. They will not completely prevent weeds, but they do help to cut down on weed growth. Just be sure to spread them around your plants so that they form a barrier between the soil and the sunlight.
Is it ok to use wood chips as mulch?
Yes, wood chips make an excellent mulch. They help to retain moisture in the soil and protect plants from the hot sun.
Should I put wood chips in my garden?
Adding wood chips to your garden can help to improve the health of your plants and help them to grow more quickly. To use wood chips as fertilizer, simply spread them around your plants and rake them into the soil. You can also add them to your compost pile to speed up the decomposition process.
Are wood chips good for grass?
Yes, wood chips are good for the grass. They help to improve drainage and prevent compaction. Just be sure to spread them around evenly so that they don’t form a thick mat that will smother the grass.
Do wood chips make good fertilizer?
Yes, wood chips make good fertilizer when mixed with soil. They help to improve drainage and prevent compaction.
Are wood chips poisonous to dogs?
Wood chips are not poisonous to dogs, but they can cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested in large quantities. Just be sure to keep an eye on your dog if they’re playing in an area with wood chips.
What To Do With Wood Chips from a Chipper Shredder: Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different ways to use wood chips. Whether you’re looking to make mulch, compost, or biofuel, wood chips are a versatile and renewable resource that can be put to good use. So next time you’re not sure what to do with wood chips, don’t just throw them away – put them to good use!
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