Skip to Content

How to Use a Wood Chipper: The Full Guide. With Helpful Tips

Once the winter months begin to come to an end and the weather gradually warms up, it is normal to find some dead trees or loose tree trunks lying around your property. When this happens, it is advisable to use this to your advantage by reducing those wood debris into wood chips. Wood chips come in handy for mulching and gardening as they reduce the need for watering your garden by actively reducing the rate at which water evaporates. Wood chippers are large but portable machines that help reduce those large chunks of wood into wood chips, and they provide an excellent solution to many problems, especially in many homes. These equipment are good for clearing large piles of tree branches, twigs, logs, and leaves to provide a cleaner and safer working environment.

How to Use a Wood Chipper:

  • Step 1: Place the Chipper on a Flat Ground
  • Step 2: Adjust the Chip Deflector and Chip Chute
  • Step 3: Set Parking Brake and Start the Chipper
  • Step 4: Feed the Blunt End First
  • Step 5: Feed Mixture of Dry and Green Limbs
  • Step 6: Stand on the Side of the Chipper

As good as a wood chipper is, if you don’t know how to use it properly, it might end up not being as efficient as you need it to be. Before you can fill the surface of your property with wood chips, you must know how to use a wood chipper to get the job done. Whether you just need to clear out some space on your property or you need to handle a major gardening project, a wood chipper is a great option for clearing the area off debris. In this article, you will be provided with a comprehensive guide on how to use a wood chipper.

Why Do You Use a Wood Chipper?

Doing yard work is hard enough as it is, not to mention the cleanup that follows. You might be lucky enough to have debris pickup in your area, but you still have to spend time cleaning them from your yard, stuffing into lawn-sturdy trash bags, and eventually piling them at your sidewalks to have them hauled away. This practice isn’t entirely legal in many areas, which simply means that you have to find the right place to dump the yard waste and haul it away by yourself.

Burning your lawn might be another option (if you stay in an area where it is not restricted), but you would want to consider other options such as heatwaves, during which there are burn bans, to avoid causing any mishap on your property. Since most of the options require special attention, a wood chipper might be your best bet. Having a wood chipper equipment will help reduce the extra work put into the cleanup, it will also reduce the time it takes for cleaning and caring for your lawn. Instead of clearing the debris, stuffing them into trash bags and hauling them, you can simply stack the debris into small piles, then bring the wood chipper to go over the stack, feeding the wood material into the machine and producing wood chips that are much easier to bag.

Additionally, the wood chips can also be used as mulch, which is an excellent addition to some areas of your yard and garden. There are probably shrubs and/or flowering plants on your yard, and mulch is quite necessary for aesthetics as well as keeping the soil moist throughout the year. Instead of just wasting your lawn debris and hauling it away, while spending extra cash on purchasing mulch, you can simply recycle your wood materials using a chipper, producing your mulch for parts of your lawn and garden. This particular reason is what makes a wood chipper one of the most important power tools you can add to your collection for yard work.

Choosing the Right Type of Chipper

Wood chippers are available in various types and sizes, and choosing the right one for your needs is very important as you would want it to last for a long time while performing the jobs you need it for. There are two major types of wood chippers which include the gas-powered and electric wood chippers. The electric models come with cords that are plugged into the electric sockets. These models can be advantageous for the following reasons:

  • Cheaper: Electric wood chippers are usually cheaper than their gas-powered counterparts. They are more affordable to purchase and do not require any additional fuel source, hence you don’t need to purchase gas when you want to use them.
  • Lighter: These models are usually lighter because they do not have the added weight of large engine parts and fuel, which makes them easier to move around.
  • Less maintenance: Electric wood chippers require less maintenance, making them easier for you to maintain.

As a major disadvantage, you’ll find out that electric wood chippers are less powerful, and they can’t handle larger jobs. Hence, you must avoid feeding large branches and other large debris that they cannot handle into them. Also, since they have to be plugged in, there is a limited range of motion as they always need to be close enough to a power outlet for the cord to reach.

On the other hand, gas-powered wood chippers are much more powerful and capable enough to handle larger loads and larger pieces of wood. They are also more mobile since they don’t have to be plugged into a power source. Although they tend to be more expensive and require more maintenance, they are sturdier and last longer, and their parts can be easily cleaned and reused.

How to Use a Wood Chipper

Operating a wood chipper is quite self-explanatory. The steps below will even make it easier for you to use your wood chipper safely, even if you’re new to the practice.

Step 1: Place the Chipper on a Flat Ground

You wouldn’t want your machine to move or fall over while it’s running as this can be very dangerous, so placing it on a flat level surface is very important.

Step 2: Adjust the Chip Deflector and Chip Chute

Most wood chippers have a deflector and adjustable chutes. Make sure they are adjusted to control the direction and speed at which the chips are released. You don’t want them flying all over the yard and you also don’t want them landing too close to the machine and creating a hazardous mess. You should also set the deflector in a way that keeps any debris from blowing up into your face to avoid injury or reducing the clarity of your vision.

Step 3: Set Parking Brake and Start the Chipper

If your chipper is attached to another piece of equipment like a tractor, set the parking brake to make sure that equipment doesn’t move either. Although this isn’t always the case as wood chippers for personal use aren’t large enough for attachment. Also, make sure that the gas-powered engine has enough fuel to complete the job, and for electric models, check the cord and make sure it’s not damaged or unplugged before the operation. Once you’re done, start the chipper.

Step 4: Feed the Blunt End First

When feeding the wood chipper, start with the blunt end first as the material will feed through the machine easier and more consistently this way. As you start to feed the power tool, use a long stick to push any material that seems hesitant to go through. Never feed anything larger than recommended into your chipper or it might back up and spit the material back at you, causing blunt force trauma or a flurry of dangerous chips that could scratch and cut you.

Step 5: Feed Mixture of Dry and Green Limbs

Rather than separating them, feed a mixture of dry and green leaves into the wood chipper. The green leaves will serve as lubrication so that the dryness of the dead ones don’t make the job very difficult for the chipper. Also, adding dry dead leaves to green ones will ensure that the moisture isn’t too much and won’t end up clogging the machine. The mixture of the two will ensure balance and prevent the blades within the chipper from becoming too hot and dangerous to use.

Step 6: Stand on the Side of the Chipper

You should always stand to the side of the chipper rather than in front, where the materials are fed in. This will help prevent serious injury in case some debris fly upward or the equipment becomes stuck and launches the material forward. Once you’re done chipping your wood, you can now collect the chips and put them to good use.

Final remarks

A wood chipper comes handy in taking care of your lawn and garden, so much that you have enough time to care for other things. Also, you’ll have enough time to relax and make use of a clean yard, especially if you know how to properly handle the machine.

  1. Ron Smith says:

    How long does it typically take to chip a pile of branches?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Typically, chipping a pile of branches can take a few hours depending on the size and type of branches. Follow the steps provided in the article for a safe and efficient process.

  2. Valerie Neal says:

    I had no idea wood chippers were so versatile, thank you for the detailed guide.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Valerie! I’m glad you found the guide helpful. Wood chippers are indeed versatile tools that can make yard work much easier. Happy chipping!

  3. Gertrude Dunn says:

    It’s interesting to learn about the different types of wood chippers available.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Gertrude! It’s great to hear that you found the information on wood chippers interesting. If you ever decide to use one, make sure to follow the safety measures outlined in the article.

  4. Scarlett Franklin says:

    Is it better to purchase or rent a wood chipper for occasional use?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      For occasional use, renting a wood chipper may be more cost-effective and convenient than purchasing. Make sure to follow safety guidelines when operating the chipper. Happy chipping!

  5. Eduardo Jensen says:

    I appreciate the safety tips included in the guide for using a wood chipper.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your feedback, Eduardo. I’m glad you found the safety tips helpful in the wood chipper guide. Stay safe and enjoy using your wood chipper!

  6. Sarah Davidson says:

    Are wood chippers noisy to operate?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, wood chippers can be noisy to operate. It is recommended to wear ear protection when using one. I hope this helps!

  7. Herbert Jones says:

    The step-by-step instructions make it easier for beginners to use a wood chipper.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Herbert! I’m glad you found the step-by-step instructions helpful for wood chipper beginners. Happy chipping!

  8. Noelle Beck says:

    I never knew wood chippers could be so beneficial for gardening, thanks for the informative article.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your kind words, Noelle! I’m glad you found the article informative. Wood chippers can indeed be a great asset for gardening and landscaping. Enjoy using this helpful tool in your yard!

  9. Cathy Fisher says:

    How often do you need to clean a wood chipper?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Cathy Fisher, it is recommended to clean a wood chipper after every use to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Regular maintenance is key to the efficient operation of your machine.

  10. Lucille Washington says:

    What safety gear is recommended when using a wood chipper?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Lucille, when using a wood chipper, it is recommended to wear safety goggles, work gloves, ear protection, and sturdy shoes. Following these safety guidelines will help ensure a safe and efficient wood chipping experience.

  11. Rhonda Ray says:

    I never knew wood chippers could be so useful for gardening projects, thanks for the info.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your feedback, Rhonda! I’m glad you found the information on wood chippers useful for your gardening projects. Happy chipping!

  12. Joseph Oliver says:

    The video tutorials are a great addition to help understand how to use a wood chipper.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Joseph! I’m glad you found the video tutorials helpful in understanding how to use a wood chipper effectively. Happy chipping!

  13. Steven Hansen says:

    Great information on the benefits of using wood chippers in the garden.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Steven! Wood chippers are truly a great tool for garden maintenance. Remember to always follow the proper safety procedures to ensure efficiency and safety.

  14. Tristan Lopez says:

    I’m considering getting a wood chipper now after reading about all the benefits.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Tristan! Enjoy your wood chipper – it’s a great addition for yard work and gardening. Remember to follow safety precautions and have fun making mulch for your garden!

  15. Beth Little says:

    This article highlights the importance of mulch and how wood chippers can help create it.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for highlighting the importance of wood chippers in creating mulch. They are indeed valuable tools for yard work and gardening projects. Your insights are greatly appreciated.

  16. Lonnie Shelton says:

    Is it possible to rent wood chippers for occasional use?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, you can rent wood chippers for occasional use. Make sure to follow the safety guidelines and tips provided in the article for an efficient and safe chipping experience.

  17. Leah Austin says:

    This article provides practical steps to using a wood chipper effectively.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Leah! I’m glad you found the article helpful. It’s important to use a wood chipper correctly for optimal results. Happy chipping!

  18. Leslie Bowman says:

    Are wood chips from the chipper good for all types of plants?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Wood chips from the chipper are great for most plants, but avoid using them around acid-loving plants like azaleas or rhododendrons. Make sure to mix them with a variety of leaves and twigs for optimal benefits.

  19. Ross Reyes says:

    Can wood chippers handle wet branches as well?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, wood chippers can handle wet branches as well. Just be sure to feed a mixture of dry and green limbs to prevent clogging. Stay safe while chipping!

  20. Ethel Romero says:

    What should I do if the wood chipper gets jammed?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Ethel! If your wood chipper gets jammed, first turn it off and make sure to follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Check for any clogs or obstructions before attempting to clear it. Stay safe!

Comments are closed.
..