After the tree has been cut, there are mountains of branches lying around in the garden. For the nature-oriented hobby gardener, this is not waste, but rather ideal raw material for sensible further use. Get inspired by these 5 tips. How to dispose of branches for the benefit of nature.
How can you dispose of branches in the garden sensibly?
Branches can be disposed of ecologically by chopping them up to make mulch, composting, creating a Benje hedge, building winter quarters for animals or as winter protection for potted plants. In this way, the clippings are used sensibly and support natural gardening.
Tip: Process branches into mulch
After the hedge has been trimmed, branches can be useful for natural weed control in the garden. With a borrowed shredder, cut branches can be shredded for a second life as mulch. This is how it works:
- Rent a garden shredder at a hardware store (€1.60 on Amazon)
- Chopping branches
- Use as mulch in vegetable gardens, perennial beds, on tree slices, under ground cover plants
If large quantities of clippings are regularly produced, it is worth investing in your own garden shredder. Neighboring hobby gardeners join forces and buy suitable equipment together.
Tip: Compost clippings
In small quantities you can dispose of branches in the compost. Beforehand, the branches are shredded so that hard-working microorganisms and compost worms do not choke on the wood residue. Spread the wood chips over the compost heap in stages and in thin layers.
Tip: create a Benje hedge
A recommended option for disposing of branches is the Benje hedge. This is a deadwood hedge, a linear, loose layer of clippings. At this point you can get rid of branches every year without the hassle of chopping them up and enrich the garden with an invaluable source of life.
Tip: Build winter quarters for garden animals
Inviting winter quarters can be built from branches for animals in need. Pile the branches into a loose pile. A thick layer of leaves serves as a warming roof. To prevent the wind from blowing the leaves away, additional branches or pine fronds act as attachments. Grateful winter guests arrive quickly, like hedgehogs looking for a place to stay.
Tip: Use branches as winter protection
Balcony gardeners appreciate branches as natural winter protection for potted plants. In order for native species to overwinter on the terrace and balcony, it is important to protect the root ball. A fleece or jute cover covers the vessel. If there is also an impressive layer of chopped branches on the substrate, the roots are well protected against moisture and frost from above.
Tip
Patient hobby gardeners master the disposal of tree roots with compost. A drill drills deep holes into the roots. Fresh compost, ideally enriched with compost accelerator, goes into these openings. Within a few months the disposal problem is resolved happily, i.e. humus.
