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Garden shredder advice needed

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  • 02-10-2011 12:01pm
    #1
    Half-cocked
    Registered Users Posts: 4,319 ✭✭✭


    Hi, first post in this forum.

    I have privet hedges on each side of my garden and need to cut them back regularly. The brown wheelie bin can't cope with the amount of trimmings so I need to buy a shredder. I already have a chipper, but it wont handle the smaller green cuttings, only thicker woody stuff. Can anyone recommend a shredder that will deal with all the soft green stuff? I saw one in Lidl recently but didn't want to invest without any knowledge of shredders. Any advice much appreciated. Thanks.


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    #2
    slowburner
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 5,220 Mod ✭✭✭✭slowburner


    If the stuff is too soft for the shredder then surely it would compost well?


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    #3
    Half-cocked
    Registered Users Posts: 4,319 ✭✭✭Half-cocked


    slowburner wrote: »
    If the stuff is too soft for the shredder then surely it would compost well?

    There's just way too much of it, I need to shred it to reduce the volume. I do compost what I can.


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    #4
    slowburner
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 5,220 Mod ✭✭✭✭slowburner


    I see. The problem with shredders and Privet is that its leaves hold a huge amount of water. This causes stickiness and binding in the chute.I don't think you will have much success with shredding unless you are prepared to fork out for a petrol engined shredder which has a dedicated wet shredding attachment.
    The only consolation is that Privet leaves break down really quickly. I would put them on the beds as a mulch - they will rot into the soil in a few weeks. In fact, I would put the shreddings back on the beds too. All you are doing by filling up the brown bin is taking nourishment from the soil.


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    #5
    Theprogardener
    Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭Theprogardener


    Hello
    I own a industrial shredder and privet turns into peas soup when we put it through the hammers. If you are cutting on a regular basis use a lawnmower to mulch up the clippings, (we cut privet every 2-3 weeks during growing season) what is left over can raked up. If you "must" buy a shredder expect to pay €3-5k for good one for home use. Follow these links
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8De09oBSw1o&feature=related A new site "lawnmowers.ie" is launching at end of month, I think! they will have it, otherwise http://www.whatkit.co.uk/ will provide you with all the info you will need to make an informed decision.
    Regards


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