DYI woodchips?

[Likac66]

OK, so I'm planning my new plot and telling somebody at work about it. I explained how we're going to prune the apple tree and my dad will kindly take the larger branches away and dispose of them.

I also said how I was going to put weed matting down on the paths and in time woodchip them.

My colleague made what seems like quite a valid point - why not use the apple tree branches to woodchip the paths (or at least start them off)? Of course, that depends on me getting hold of a wood chipper, but is this viable? Does it matter what type of wood you use in a woodchipper?! I know it may sound like a daft question, but I know some things are not as simple as you'd like them to be.

Thanks.

[alldigging]

Don't shred but hugelkulture them :-)

[zazen999]

Oh my gosh - even if you don't use a chipper I'll come and take the wood away! Don't bin it!

Pm me!

[Potstubsdustbins]

Depends on the diameter, but it would usually be of interest to wood carvers/turners. You wouldn't believe what they pay for wood and apple is a favourite.

Pottyu

[veggiechicken]

Applewood is good for smoking too (in a smoker - not a pipe)!

[SarzWix]

You can hire a chipper/shredder from most tool hire type places. They have a maximum diameter that they can cope with, it usually says on the hire company's website what that is in the description. Anything bigger than that can be dealt with as everyone has mentioned above. Also, any long, straight bits can be used for plant supports (bean frames for eg)

I had my leylandii lopped a couple of years ago and the chippings from that covered nearly all of my fruit bed, so well worth doing I think

[kathycam]

If you want woodchip, try some local tree surgeons, they're normally only too happy to give it away free. The hugelkulture bed sounds a good idea. We tried burning some branches we had to prune, but they were a little too green to burn well.

[VirginVegGrower]

If you want woodchip, try some local tree surgeons, they're normally only too happy to give it away free. The hugelkulture bed sounds a good idea. We tried burning some branches we had to prune, but they were a little too green to burn well.

Or do like we did and follow the van/lorry thingy

[Madasafish]

I use chipped small branches for a mulch and path cover. Works a treat but eventually get ground in.. A 4-5 cm layer works well..

[alldigging]

Or do like we did and follow the van/lorry thingy

LOL I rang some up. One wanted money for it. LOL. LOL. LOL.
Another two put me on their list and one of them bought me some the next day )