I am feeling chipper - please excuse the pun - because the whole world is getting really serious about sustainability, regeneration and sustainable products and services.
2008 has seen a massive rise in the sale of wood splitters, firewood sales, wood burning stoves and chainsaws because many households are turning to burning wood as opposed to expensive energy sources such as oil and gas.
Gardeners are also extremely concerned with putting something back into the soil and the environment.
Instead of sending green waste to in-fill sites or burning waste on garden bonfires, there is an increased eagerness to shred or chip garden waste for composting and returning this organic material back into the soil.
So long as any wood material is composted long enough - otherwise nitrogen will be robbed from the soil as it degenerates - the garden can benefit from added nutrients, fibre and humus.
Returning your organic waste to the soil or storing it in compost cages or on a heap will also provide great breeding and hibernating places for insects and small mammals such as hedgehogs and mice.
Investing in the right machine is crucial to get the best results.
Look for a heavy-duty shredder - vacuum which has wheels for moving around the garden. Honda or Briggs & Stratton Industrial / Commercial petrol engines offers the best power and performance.
If you can spare the extra budget, consider the Overhead Valve design because it helps the engine run cooler, cleaner and more efficiently for extended life and better fuel economy.
Your ideal machine should be equipped with a dedicated chute for shredding branches up to 7.5 - 10cm (3-4").
Pro Shredders - Vacuum that have two chipper blades and two hammer flails for breaking down waste will be advantageous for degrading the waste as much as possible.
If you are looking for a combination machine that also sucks up and shreds leaves then look for the largest mouth that can still maintain the right suction - there is nothing worse than having a large mouth only to find wet leaves cannot be lifted bu inadequate power from the engine or vacuum.
Maximum of 100 litre collection bag - any heavier and you will find the front off the machine will become to light and you will need a lot of stamina to hold it down onto the lawn surface.
Pneumatic rear wheels and front castor wheel are best considered to aid manoeuvrability and a reverse gear for awkward spaces.
Comments