I have to let you know that there are seasons I like and there are seasons I definitely don’t like. I’m a person that loves to meet with his friends for a barbeque, to travel and to have a clean home. Maybe that’s the reason I’m not so found of spring and autumn: every time these seasons come, there seems to be an awful volume of work around the house, and the cleaning never stops. Long days of mulching, shredding, packing and repeating the same loop are waiting for me, and sometimes I’m just too tired to continue.

Fortunately for me, there are tools available at affordable prices that will reduce my work time down to 20%. For light debris like dead leafs, I’m always using a garden vacuum, but if I want to take care of those shrub or hedge prunings, I definitely need a more powerful tool like a chipper or a shredder. As the name suggest, these type of tools will transform any tree branch into wood chips, making it easier to dispose or easier to store for a later usage.

Things you should know about yard chippers and shredders

First of all, we need to talk about the price: these types of gardening tools are not cheap, but they are affordable. I’m not talking about $10-$20, but I will say that instead of calling for external help and paying at least $300 per job, you can invest couple of dollars into your own tool that can be used multiple times. In the long run, your investment will definitely pay off.

Secondly, you should know that there are few facts you should know on how to use the shredder or chipper. You need to have a power supply nearby, since most models run on electricity. If you want to cut big logs, then a gardening shredder is not enough. You read the manual and learn about the tool’s limit and never cross it. Some shredders are noisier than other, so if you know you have neighbors with sensible ears then you should probably look for a tool that’s quieter.

Third (and most important for your health), you should keep yourself safe. Most chippers and shredders are safe by design, but since it’s a machine with so much power, there are some risks involved. Pay extra attention when you use it, and  buy yourself a proper equipment: gloves, proper clothing and goggles.

Clean your garden like a professional

It’s not that hard to clean your garden by yourself if you have the proper tools. All you need is couple of hours of spare time, a proper equipment and you’re good to go. More than that, you will learn that cleaning your own garden will give a sense of satisfaction that can never be achieved by looking through the window while another man is cleaning it for you.