5 Things To Consider Before Buying A Compost Shredder

A compost shredder is one of the answers to increasingly common municipal ordinances than ban plant waste from public landfills. By producing smaller pieces of plant waste, a shredder hastens decomposition in a compost pile. Purchasing a compost shredder involves several decisions.

1. Electric or Gas?

For instance, do you want an electric shredder or a gas-powered one? Electric shredders do not emit fumes and are quiet, but they lack the power of shredders that run on gas. Gas may give you lots of power, but it will also give you lots of noise!

2. How Much Horsepower?

A five-horsepower gadget can cut through wood around a couple of inches thick. Below 10 horsepower, compost shredders can handle a little over three inches, while above that they can cut through four inches of wood and thicker.

3. Shredder, Chipper, or Both?

If all you need is something to turn twigs and leaves into finer compost material, then a low horsepower, compost shredder will suffice. If you intend to process larger plant waste from a big area of land, with a wide variety of trees (including broadleaves), then the workload may overpower a leaf shredder. In the latter case, you will need a shredder-cum-chipper, perhaps even a big one on wheels.

But a word of warning: although the wheels may make you think it will be convenient to haul the machine over a big area, they may not help much over rough uneven ground or waterlogged soil. These giants are also more difficult (yearly checkups are required) and costly to maintain.

4. How Much Can You Afford?

To get the most out of your investment – whether it be less than a thousand dollars for a mid-priced compost shredder to upwards of $2,000 for a really powerful machine – you have to buy what you will need for the next few years.

Scrimping and buying a less expensive shredder may end up costing you more in the long run if, after a year or two, you simply have to invest in another more powerful gadget because your first one couldn't get the job done!

5. Will a Lawnmower Suffice?

Many people use their lawnmowers to double as compost shredders, and they can indeed serve the purpose. But be very careful that you only try to shred a small amount of DRY PLANT WASTE, no more a couple of inches high. If you force your lawnmower to shred a thick amount of plant waste you will just clog up the machine.

For more gardening information, gardening videos and gardening video tutorials, go here: Gardening Videos. These free videos cover a wide variety of gardening topics and tips for gardeners.