Chip or burn wood?

[Carykong]

I keep my property 9 acres,half in woods plus 3 acres of walnut grove clean with my brush cutter. Keep the deck high, obliterates anything under 2.5 inches, leave the rest on the forest floor to rot. If the branches and logs are over 4 or 5 inches,I dump in the deep woods and let nature do its thing. no need to burn or chip

 

[FortClatsop]

After four years and many burn piles I bought a chipper. I used to really enjoy burn days. Whats not to like about a hot fire, a lot of cold beer, and all flammable liquid fun to make it happen? The one time that a buddy caught his pants on fire was really memorable. But after the umpteenth windstorm I got tired of all the dragging, piling, and waiting for burn day. Eventually a PTO chipper turned out to be the cats meow--if not a very expensive long term investment. A pole pruner for quick limbing and the chipper are an immediate gratification force to be reckened with. I still gather and drag a few things to the neighbors pile and do his burning for him each fall.

It's not really one or the other, its just another tool that when properly deployed gives you a more diversified and enjoyable experience.

 

[lagomasino]

The wisdom of the collective is invaluable. This last posting sums it all. I initially posted the thread as chip OR burn wood; but I the conclusion is that in many cases the answer is chip AND burn. I greatly appreciate all your input and bringing in other things to consider.

Honestly, it didn't occur to me to think of a permit to make a fire to burn wood. So I found out what the rules are and they don't seem to be very strict in my neck of the woods. There are two periods designated as Forest Fire Seasons, one in Spring and the other one in the Fall, where fires are only permitted from 4:00PM to 7:00AM.

Anyways, thanks again for all your responses. I will be looking for a wood chipper some time soon.

 

[kossetx]

As a owner of a chipper I can tell you it is easier and cheaper to buy mulch than to chip it. I know that now but I chip since I have the chipper. It's not all that much work if it's self feed. I don't like to burn. Too many variables and it yields few benificial results. If you have the room have you considered leaving brush piles to rot. It makes a good home for lots of critters. I do all 3 from time to time so all apply.

 

[lagomasino]

Leaving brush piles to rot and tossing branches down the hill sides to get them out of sight is all I've been doing for the last ten years. They are everywhere. It is still a good third option. Does it help to let the branches dry, or partly rot, before chipping it? I've read in other threads that some chippers have trouble with freshly cut branches and leaves.

 

[vic4news]

With my Mackissic chipper I find it chips green wood a lot easier than dried wood. Of coarse, if the wood is rotten, that's the easiest to chip/shred.

Like many of the people who replied, I end up chipping some, burning some,
and I have a place in the woods that I dump the stuff I don't want to chip or burn.

Vic