Putting Leaves into a Wood Chipper: How to Avoid Damage

Fall cleanup means leaves. Lots of them.

And when you already have a wood chipper sitting in the yard, it’s tempting to start feeding everything into it. But before you dump a pile of leaves into the chopper, there are a few things you should know.

The Problem With Wet Leaves

Wood chippers are built primarily to process branches and other woody material. Leaves…especially wet ones…behave very differently.

Wet leaves can stick together and form thick clumps inside the machine. Instead of moving cleanly through the chipper, they can build up around the cutting area or discharge chute, leading to clogs and putting unnecessary strain on your equipment.

So after a rainy fall day? Give those leaves some time to dry.

Don't Dump in a Giant Pile

Even dry leaves can become a problem when you try to feed too much material at once.

If your chipper's manufacturer permits leafy material, introduce it gradually rather than dumping an entire pile into the hopper. Leafy branches and small amounts of dry leaves mixed with appropriate woody debris generally move through more easily than a pile of loose leaves on its own.

And remember: a wood chipper isn't a leaf vacuum. Sometimes the rake is still the right tool for the job.

Pay Attention to Your Machine

If material isn't moving through normally or you hear the engine begin to struggle, stop feeding it.

Never reach into the hopper or attempt to clear a clog while the chipper is running. Shut the machine down completely and follow the manufacturer's instructions before inspecting or clearing any blockage.

A few extra minutes of cleanup beats damaging your chipper—or yourself.

Make Fall Cleanup Easier

For bigger fall cleanup jobs involving branches, brush, and other woody debris, having the right equipment can save a lot of time.

The MechMaxx B150 Wood Chipper is built around a 15 HP, 420cc engine and drum-style chipping system, with a maximum chipping capacity of up to 6 inches.

That makes it a powerful option for tackling the branches and woody debris that tend to pile up alongside all those fall leaves.

Just remember: keep wet leaves out, don't overload the hopper, and always use your chipper for the material it was designed to handle.

Your machine will thank you.