For landowners, chipping branches is great for yard waste and soil health. But does it matter if the wood is green or dead? Yes, for both chipping efficiency and the benefits to your soil.

 

Chipping a Live, Green Branch

  • Chipping: Generally easier on the chipper. High moisture makes wood pliable, leading to cleaner, more consistent chips.
  • Benefits for Soil:
    • Higher Nitrogen: Green chips, especially with leaves, have more nitrogen.
    • Faster Initial Decomposition: Moisture and nitrogen kickstart microbial breakdown quickly.
    • "Ramial Chipped Wood" (RCW): Chips from small green branches (under 3") are rich in minerals and stimulate soil fungi, improving soil structure.
    • Note: Can cause temporary nitrogen drawdown if mixed directly into soil; best used as a surface mulch.

 

Chipping a Dead, Dry Branch

  • Chipping: Harder on the chipper. Dry wood is brittle, causing more strain, inconsistent chips, and more dust. Higher risk of knife damage from embedded grit.
  • Benefits for Soil:
    • Lower Nutrients: Primarily adds carbon.
    • Slower Decomposition: Lasts longer as mulch due to less moisture and higher lignin.
    • Long-Term Organic Matter: Improves soil structure, water retention, and aeration over many years.
    • Weed Suppression: Provides longer-lasting weed control.

 

Which is "Better" for the Soil?

Both types of chips are beneficial, but offer different advantages:

  • Green Chips: Break down faster, quicker nutrient release, good for initial microbial boost. Use as surface mulch or compost first.
  • Dead/Dry Chips: Last longer, excellent for long-term soil structure improvement and extended weed control.

 

The Ideal: A mixture of both (like "arborist chips") provides a balanced approach, offering both quicker cycling nutrients and long-term organic matter. Regardless of the type, chipping branches turns waste into a valuable resource for your property soil.