Chipper-shredders reduce brush and small limbs to a size that is easier to handle and which is suitable for composting or for soil covers, which reduce moisture loss and weed growth and add beauty to a landscaped lawn. Shredding leaves and grass clippings also will reduce the time it takes for composted materials to decay. Portable units with gasoline engines may be adjusted from shredding leaves to chipping limbs of up to 3 inches in diameter. The speed of processing varies from one brand to the next. The gas-powered versions work better for chipping limbs but have little advantage over electric ones when shredding leaves.
All units work best when the materials are dry.
Diagram of a chipper-shredder. Safety precautions Converting unwanted yard wastes into valuable resources is rewarding and can be done safely when a few precautions are followed. Leaves to be shredded are stuffed through a top-feed hopper. When limbs are fed into the chute, pay particular attention to the pulling force the chipper exerts on the limb. Heavy work gloves help prevent cuts if a limb is pulled from your grasp.