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Advantages of a Chipper-Shredder Chipper-shredders are heavy-duty pieces of power equipment that will turn leaves, garden refuse and tree trimmings into raw material for the compost pile or mulch for the your garden beds. Prices range from $200 for small electric models to $2,000 for the large deluxe gas-powered varieties. If you have a big yard, a deluxe model may be worth the money; it will accept a variety of materials, including tree limbs up to six inches in diameter. Chipper vacuums are ideal for small yards and cost around $400, the machine vacuums and shred leaves, and they can chip small tree limbs and branches too. A chipper-shredder is really two machines in one. Most chipper-shredders have one or two hardened-steel blades that measure three or four inches in length. As you feed limbs and branches through the chipping tube or chute, the blades chip them into small pieces. The chipping mechanism turns tree limbs and branches into chips for use as mulch; the shredding mechanism converts softer materials, such as plants and leaves, into a form suitable for the compost pile. When you shred debris before composting it, you increase its surface area tenfold, which means the debris will take only weeks to decompose instead of months. Safety First When using a chipper-shredder in your yard or garden, follow these safety rules closely. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Keep kids and pets well away for the work area. Stay clear of the discharge areas when the machine is running. Avoid loose-fitting clothes (they can get caught in the machine). Always wear gloves, ear protection and safety goggles. When filling the shredding chute, use the plunger provided to push material into the shredding chamber. Never use you hands or anything made of metal. If the chipper-shredder becomes jammed, turn it off, disconnect the spark plug and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before attempting to unclog the machine.   • Xeriscape Colorado Home • What Is Xeriscape? • Demo Gardens   • Upcoming Events • Resources & Reference • Articles