Beech Hedge Clippings

[Tripmeup]

I have clipped my beech hedge in last few days... Some of the hedge had grown tall and had quite thick stems.... What is best way to use these... Was going to put them in old compost bags with holes in them but do I need to strip all the leaves from the thick stems?
I know I can add some of it directly to the compost bin but would like some leaf mould too...
All suggestions welcome!

[rustylady]

At this time of the year your leaves will still be green I presume. These don't make good leafmould - you need the dry autumn leaves that fall from the trees and hedges.

Chop up what you have as small as you can and either bag it or add to your compost heap. Any chance of borrowing a shredder for the thicker stems?

[Tripmeup]

Thanks Rusty..
Yes the leaves are still green, so would it be OK to cut them and put them in old plastic bags ( old compost bags) with holes in them and leave them sitting somewhere??
Hmm, not sure I know anyone with a shredder, will have a think...

[Two_Sheds]

quite thick stems... Was going to put them in old compost bags

You'll end up with bags still full of quite thick stems.

If you're making leafmould, you need leaves, not branches. If you want to get rid of branches/stems, then leave them in a pile in some corner, maybe behind shrubs to look tidy, as a wildlife habitat.

[Tripmeup]

Thanks TS.. will strip the leaves from the stems when I have a chance...

[veggiechicken]

I pile cut branches in a heap until the leaves dry. They either fall off naturally or you can run your hand over them and they come away. Depends on how much space you have and whether you can live with the "heaps". I'm an expert at growing "heaps" - but not much else!!