What Type of Wood Can You Put Through a Wood Chipper

Wood chippers are an essential tool for homeowners, landscapers, and arborists alike. But what wood is safe to put through a wood chipper? Whether you’re dealing with fallen branches in your yard, clearing a patch of land, or maintaining your property, understanding what types of wood can be chipped is key to keeping your equipment running smoothly.

In Australia, with our diverse flora and fauna, it’s crucial to know which woods can be processed and how to safely use your wood chipper. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Types of Wood That Are Safe for Wood Chippers

Hardwood vs. Softwood
Wood chippers are generally designed to handle both hardwoods and softwoods, but there are some important differences to note.

• Hardwoods such as eucalyptus, mango, ironbark, and gum trees are typically denser and tougher, which makes them more difficult for a chipper to handle, but they produce durable chips that are great for mulching and composting.
• Softwoods, such as pine, fir, and cedar, are easier to chip and usually break down more quickly. These are commonly used for garden beds and compost piles.

2. Australian Wood Species in Wood Chippers

Australia is home to a wide variety of unique trees, and understanding what can safely be processed in your chipper is essential. Here are a few of the most common Australian species you might encounter:

• Eucalyptus – One of the most common trees in Australia, known for its strong, dense wood. Eucalyptus branches are ideal for chipping, but make sure you avoid wood with any signs of disease, as this can affect the quality of the mulch.
• Acacia (Wattle) – With many varieties throughout Australia, wattles produce relatively softwood that chips easily. The fine branches are perfect for smaller wood chippers.
• Melaleuca (Paperbark) – While some varieties have a soft bark, the wood itself is typically dense and can be more difficult to chip. It’s best to process small to medium-sized branches.
• Casuarina (Sheoak) – Known for its needle-like foliage, this tree’s wood is hard but can still be chipped effectively if the chipper is powerful enough.

3. Wood to Avoid Putting in a Wood Chipper

While most native Australian woods are chippable, there are some exceptions. Certain types of wood or materials should never be put through your chipper:

• Wood with Nails, Screws, or Metal – These can damage the chipper blades, so always inspect wood before chipping it.
• Wood from Diseased Trees – Never chip wood from trees that show signs of disease or infestation. This can spread pathogens or pests and damage your chipper.
• Green Wood or Freshly Cut Branches – Although fresh branches are softer and easier to chip, green wood can clog up the machine. It’s better to let freshly cut wood dry out before chipping it.

4. Considerations for Your Wood Chipper’s Health

• Blade Maintenance – Regularly sharpen your chipper blades to ensure they work effectively, especially when processing denser hardwoods.
• Machine Size – Larger chippers are designed to handle thicker and tougher woods. If you have a small, residential chipper, stick to thinner branches and softer woods to avoid overworking the machine.
• Proper Feeding – Always feed the wood into the chipper slowly and evenly. This ensures the chipper can handle the load and reduces the risk of blockages.

5. Environmental Benefits of Chipping Australian Wood

By chipping your tree cuttings, you create useful mulch that can be spread around your garden beds. This is particularly important for Australian flora, as many native plants benefit from the nutrients and moisture retention provided by wood chip mulch. Mulch also helps in reducing weed growth, which is essential in maintaining the delicate balance of our native ecosystems.

6. Recommended Wood Chippers for Different Types of Wood

At Monitor Industries, we offer a range of wood chippers designed to handle various types of wood. Depending on the density, size, and type of wood you’re dealing with, different chippers can provide optimal performance. Here are some recommendations from our range:

For Softwoods (e.g., Pine, Cedar, Fir)
If you’re working with softer woods, such as pine, fir, or cedar, you can opt for a more compact chipper. These types of woods are easier to break down, so smaller, high-efficiency machines are ideal.

•  Forst ST6P Wood Chipper – This versatile, entry-level chipper is perfect for residential properties or light-duty work. It’s compact but powerful enough to handle softer wood and smaller branches with ease.

For Hardwoods (e.g., Eucalyptus, Ironbark, Gum Trees)
Hardwoods require a more powerful chipper to effectively break down the denser wood. Look for a chipper with a larger capacity and stronger blades to handle tougher materials.

• Morbark 1821 Wood Chipper – Designed for tougher jobs, this heavy-duty chipper is built to handle hardwoods like eucalyptus and gum trees. With a high processing capacity, it ensures a smoother and faster chipping experience.

For Mixed Wood (Softwoods and Hardwoods)
If you frequently deal with a combination of softwoods and hardwoods, it’s best to choose a wood chipper with adjustable settings that can tackle both types effectively.

•  Morbark 1215 Wood Chipper or Forst XR8D Wood Chipper – Offering a balanced combination of power and versatility, these chipper can easily handle mixed wood types. It’s an ideal choice for arborists and landscapers working with varying wood densities.

For Larger Branches and Trunks
If you’re processing larger branches or even smaller tree trunks, a more robust machine is necessary. These chippers are designed for professional use, ensuring high performance and reliability even under heavy loads.

• Morbark 2230 Wood Chipper – With an oversized feed chute and high-powered engine, this model is perfect for handling larger logs and branches, including both hardwood and softwood. Ideal for commercial tree care.

Multi-Purpose Use
Looking for a chipper that can handle various types of wood while also providing eco-friendly solutions like mulch for your garden? Consider one of our multi-purpose, efficient models that produce fine wood chips suitable for composting and soil health.

•  Forst ST8D Wood Chipper – This chipper not only handles a variety of wood types but also produces finer chips that are perfect for mulching and enhancing garden soil.

7. Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Chipping for Arborists

What size wood can a commercial wood chipper handle?

• Most professional-grade chippers can process logs between 6-20 inches in diameter, but it depends on the model. Always check your machine’s rated infeed capacity before chipping large branches.

Can wood chipper blades cut through nails or metal?

• No, and they shouldn’t! Running wood with nails, screws, or embedded metal through a chipper can destroy blades and cause dangerous kickback. Always inspect logs before feeding them in.

How long do wood chipper blades last for arborists?

• Arborists using chippers daily should sharpen or replace blades every 20-40 hours of operation to maintain efficiency and prevent stress on the engine.

Why do palm fronds clog a wood chipper?

• Palm fronds are fibrous, and instead of turning into clean wood chips, they shred into long strands that wrap around the drum or blades, causing jams. Use a shredder, not a chipper, for palms.

Whether you’re dealing with eucalyptus, acacia, or any of Australia’s native species, wood chippers are a powerful tool for transforming unwanted branches into valuable mulch. By understanding which wood is safe for chipping and ensuring proper maintenance, you can make the most of your wood chipper while protecting the environment.