Garden chipper/shredder

[annedonnelly]

With my new garden I've inherited some very big Leylandii type trees which are coming out. I'm gradually removing the lower branches and letting in lots more light which the neighbours are very happy about.

I'm thinking of getting a chipper/shredder to help deal with the waste. I'm looking at those offered at Screwfix/Toolstation/B&Q etc. Looking at electric ones around the £100-£150 price bracket. Looking at reviews they all have good ones but then you look at the other end of the scale and a few people will say they're useless and fail or jam all the time. They then suggest that brand "X" is much better. I look at brand "X" and the reviews are similar and then someone suggests brand "Y".

Any ideas? Once it's done the Leylandii there'll be a rhododendron to deal with...

 

[Gwylan]

I'd really suggest a tree surgeon with a proper chipper. It will be quick, everything will be taken away. Make sure they can grind out the stumps. Tell them you won't pay until they have.

Cost a bit more than a domestic chipper but it's quick and easy. Saves you the aggro of the whole adventure.

Move on to the gentler aspects of gardening.

 

[Chromatic]

I‘ve got one of these: https://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-ax...SBS29OlPS1yUpl__OMZ7hlDlzHr26NVgaAjVaEALw_wcB

Might be considered a bit spendy compared to the ones you’ve been looking at but it is good and if you will keep having stuff to chip in the future then probably worth it.

 

[VinSumRox]

We've a 2.5kw shredder and it's really useful, however Leylandii branches seem to clog it up more often than other cuttings as they are tough and fibrous.

 

[raleighnut]

We've a 2.5kw shredder and it's really useful, however Leylandii branches seem to clog it up more often than other cuttings as they are tough and fibrous.

Not to mention full of sap that's stickier than superglue.

 

[Tail End Charlie]

I'd really suggest a tree surgeon with a proper chipper. It will be quick, everything will be taken away. Make sure they can grind out the stumps. Tell them you won't pay until they have.

Cost a bit more than a domestic chipper but it's quick and easy. Saves you the aggro of the whole adventure.

Move on to the gentler aspects of gardening.

This is good advice, if the trees are coming out anyway, it won't add much to the cost to grind the stumps and have the branches shredded.

If you need/ want a shredder after that, I'd get one which uses a drum to crush the branches and then chops them up. Cheaper ones use a number of rotating blades to chop them up, which is very noisy. The drum type is far quieter (although more expensive) and has a sort of Brazilian samba rhythm when operating. Your neighbours will be doubly pleased.

 

[T4tomo]

using a domestic chipper for several big Leylandii is akin to attempting to shred a javelin with school pencil-case pencil sharpener

 

[Electric_Andy]

We did similar but just cut the branches into managable pieces and took to the recycling centre. Less mess, no chipper or tree surgeon required. We also burnt a lot but you have to have a really hot fire going otherwise they'll just smoke. When buying a gadget I always have to think about if I'll use it again. Or see if you can find one on FB marketplace; a lot of people buy them new for one job and then sell on. Or the blades go blunt and they think it's broken - see how easy it is to sharpen the blades and maybe consider trying a used one? £20-£30 lost is the worst case scenario, but it might work ok with some TLC and chain sawing the branches into managable sizes first. Maybe split them down the middle if you can

 

[oxoman]

I've got a macallister one and tbh it does ok shredding Hazel branches, not tried on leylandi. Personally I'd get someone else to do it for you properly.