Subject: Re: Shredding dilemma
From: kattz@geocities.com (Kattz)
Organization: CENTURYinter.net
Date: Thu, 27 Nov 1997 09:04:37 GMT
Message-ID: <MOD$971127.26961@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$971116.25541@rec.gardens.ecosystems>


On Mon, 17 Nov 97 10:55:10, Maggie White wrote:

>
>I've been reading with interest the posts re leaf shredders on rec.gardens. Though I
>daydream about getting one, I question the value of it when 1) I'd only need it for a
>week or two each fall. AFAIK, there are none in this area to rent/borrow.
>2) the pollution factor--assuming the gas engine is a two-stroke like a lawnmower's,
>wouldn't the pollution it creates far outweigh the benefits of having leaves decompose
>more quickly?

I'd say that a shredder is worth getting even it you only use it in
the fall for shredding leaves. Shredded leaves take less space than
unshredded ones plus you can use the shredder to make a mixed compost
pile by alternating what you put in it. Store it well and it will
last you for years.

We have a chipper/shredder. It is very noisy. You might want to wear
some kind of hearing protection. The shredded stuff coming out does
tend to blow with the wind. It's very good for chopping up fallen tree
branches, hedge prunings, willow tree prunings, corn stalks, grape
vines, weedy perennial clumps. I also use it to bust up sod clumps
after pruning back the grass that has grown onto the driveway and into
the garden.

If something I'm shredding gets too moist and starts sticking I can
stop the blades to pry the stuff out from below or put in some really
dry stuff like tree branches. Another fast yet dangerous way to knock
moist stuff out is to toss in some stones and run for cover.

Ours is both ancient and new. It is on it's second motor and we had to
replace the cutting blade assembly.

Kattz
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