When to use wood chippings as mulch

paddylonglegs

The new wood chipper is making its maiden voyage this Autumn, I will likely use the chippings for both mulch on beds and compost heap material.

When using for mulch, should I wait some time to allow the chippings to die down in a pile (and how long if so), or can I put fresh clippings straight onto the beds?

thanks

The Continental Op

I just fire the chippings into the nearest bed when I'm chipping. Never a problem and can only improve the soil.

Edit> Do you have a chipper or a shredder?

Jim_Hodge

There are no downsides to using fresh chipping except if from conifers. Conifers contain tannins which can prevent germination or harm young plants. These should be weathered for a year if going anywhere you want seeds to germinate or have plants yet to be established.

mehico

Would fresh chippings from willow trees be ok to use as mulch? Willows grow so easily from hardwood cuttings, is there a chance that the mulch would take root?

The Continental Op

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122630438#Comment_122630438

Not a chance. The main thing I chip is willow about 3-5 cubic meters a year and never had any bits rooting.

mehico

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122630510#Comment_122630510

Great to know, what are you using to chip the willow?

The Continental Op

One of these only mines branded differently

https://www.orionairsales.co.uk/hyundai-hych6560-196cc-petrol-4-stroke-wood-chipper-65hp-13734-p.asp

Goes through long lengths up to about 75mm very easily. But its a wood chipper not a shredder. You can't put soil or anything abrasive in it.

paddylonglegs

thanks for all that info!

The Continental Op

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122633811#Comment_122633811

But are you chipping or shredding?

If you are shredding then that might be better composted first? Depends what you are shredding?