Types of Materials A Wood Chipper Can Process and What to Avoid
/If you own a home with mature trees, maintain a large garden, or manage a rural property, a wood chipper or shredder can be one of the most useful tools in your arsenal. These machines are designed to break down yard waste into smaller, manageable pieces for composting, mulching, or disposal. But understanding what a wood chipper can — and cannot — process is essential to getting the most out of your equipment and ensuring safe operation.
Let’s start with the most obvious: tree branches. Most standard residential wood chippers can handle branches up to 2.5 inches in diameter. Higher-end models, especially tow behind wood chippers or 3 point wood chippers for sale for use with tractors, can tackle limbs up to 4 inches or more. However, not all machines are created equal, Even models with larger intake openings may struggle with especially dense hardwoods like oak or hickory. Always check your chipper’s specifications before attempting to feed it thicker or tougher materials.
Yard Waste and Garden Debris: More Than Just Sticks
Beyond branches, a good chipper or shredder is capable of handling a variety of smaller garden refuse. This includes:
Twigs and small sticks: Ideal for mulching flower beds or walking paths.
Leaves and pine needles: While too light for most chippers to process effectively, many combo units with a shredder function can handle these materials well.
Pruned shrubbery: Woody stems from rose bushes, hydrangeas, and other landscaping plants can go through most shredders with ease.
During the fall or at the end of your growing season, garden cleanup becomes a priority. Luckily, many of the dead or spent plants from your vegetable garden are perfect candidates for shredding. Corn stalks, sunflower stems, dried tomato vines, and pepper plants are all biodegradable and break down faster when chipped into smaller pieces. Even expired composting material from your kitchen, like vegetable scraps or used coffee grounds — can be combined with shredded yard waste to improve the decomposition rate in your compost pile.
One surprising material that some small retail businesses process with their chipper is corrugated cardboard. When cut into manageable strips, it can be fed into some larger chippers and then more manageable for trash pick-ups. However, not all machines are designed to process paper-based materials, so test carefully and use discretion.
What You Should Never Put in a Wood Chipper
While the versatility of a chipper is impressive, there are some items that should never go through the blades. According to guidelines published by manufacturers like Woodland Mills, here are some key no-nos:
Pressure-treated wood or painted lumber: These often contain chemicals that release toxins when chipped.
Rocks and soil: These can dull or damage the blades instantly.
Metal objects like nails, wire, or fencing: These present a serious safety risk and can destroy your machine.
Soft or wet food waste: While biodegradable, these items can clog the machine and produce unpleasant odors.
Large pieces of bamboo: Their stringy nature can jam the chipper and wrap around the shaft.
If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and read your equipment manual.
Types of Wood Chippers and Shredders
There is a wide range of options for homeowners and land managers when it comes to choosing the best wood chippers. The most common categories include:
Electric chippers: Compact, lightweight, and best for small yards with limited debris.
Gas powered wood chippers: More powerful and ideal for properties with frequent tree maintenance or garden waste. Many models include shredder hoppers for handling softer materials.
Tow behind wood chippers: Designed to be towed by an ATV or lawn tractor, these are great for large properties or contractors needing portability.
3 point wood chipper: Designed for tractor mounting and can utilize the PTO drive of the tractor. Depending upon the tractor’s engine, these are among the most powerful models, capable of handling large branches and logs.
Combination chipper/shredders: Useful for those who want to handle both woody and soft green materials with one machine.
When considering a purchase, it’s worth looking for yard equipment made in the USA, which often comes with better warranties, easier access to replacement parts, and higher manufacturing standards.
Safety and Smart Purchasing
Regardless of what kind of machine you buy or rent, safety should be your top priority. Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection when operating a chipper. Make sure loose clothing is secured, and never reach into the hopper while the machine is running.
It’s also important to invest in quality. While it’s tempting to purchase outdoor power equipment based on price alone, poorly built machines can lead to more frequent repairs, safety risks, and lower performance. Instead, choose a well-reviewed, reliable gas powered wood chipper that matches the size and scope of your yard work.
The right machine will not only help you keep your property clean and compost pile rich — it will do so safely, efficiently, and for years to come.