The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: dixie on February 18, 2021, 03:53:09 pm

Title: Wood chippings from a tree surgeon.
Post by: dixie on February 18, 2021, 03:53:09 pm
Hi all I've been offered wood chippings they will be green, and wondered if they?ll be safe to use in the gateways of the sheep paddocks?
Title: Re: Wood chippings from a tree surgeon.
Post by: landroverroy on February 18, 2021, 06:43:27 pm
Would have thought they'd be ok. So long as they are not from poisonous trees like laurel or yew.
Title: Re: Wood chippings from a tree surgeon.
Post by: arobwk on February 18, 2021, 06:59:22 pm
Subject to landroverroy's comment, Lucky You !!



Title: Re: Wood chippings from a tree surgeon.
Post by: Buttermilk on February 19, 2021, 03:14:01 pm
Be aware that they will rot pretty quickly and if there is a lot of footfall/traffic will become boggy quite soon.
Title: Re: Wood chippings from a tree surgeon.
Post by: shep53 on February 19, 2021, 06:00:49 pm
I agree they will break down fairly quickly and make the gateway even worse , because they are green then it will be a compost heap so not even good for keeping to use as bedding
Title: Re: Wood chippings from a tree surgeon.
Post by: arobwk on February 19, 2021, 11:35:35 pm
@shep53 and Buttermilk - useful input for dixie from your experiences.  I can't quite believe though that some coarse chippings will break down in a single Winter season.


(What do I know as I've not tried it, but I would personally give it a try if I was offered chippings for nowt !)
Title: Re: Wood chippings from a tree surgeon.
Post by: macgro7 on February 20, 2021, 09:06:54 am
I used fresh chippings for gateways and footpaths. They last at least couple of years  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Wood chippings from a tree surgeon.
Post by: shep53 on February 20, 2021, 12:52:47 pm
Would depend on how much rain , how thick the layer and how much traffic in gateway .   Very large chips from dry wood are used to make outdoor cattle areas and can last a couple of years , ive used very dry bark and chips as base for straw and when put out onto a dung heap can takes years to rot down , my experience with green fresh wood chips not so good as they do heat up and a bit of fungal growth