After pruning, there are mountains of branches lying around in the garden. For the natural hobby gardener, this is not waste, but ideal starting material for meaningful further use. Be inspired by these 5 tips. How to dispose of branches for the good of nature.

There are many uses for branches

Tip: Process branches into mulch

After the hedge has been trimmed, branches are often useful for natural weed control in the garden. With a borrowed shredder (€199.99), cut branches can be shredded for a second life as mulch. (€239.00) This is how it works:

  • Rent a garden shredder at a hardware store
  • chop branches
  • Use as a mulch in the vegetable garden, perennial beds, on tree grates, under ground cover

If larger quantities of clippings are regularly produced, it is worth investing in your own garden shredder. Neighboring hobby gardeners join forces and buy a suitable piece of equipment together.

Tip: compost clippings

In small quantities, branches can be disposed of in the compost. The twigs are shredded beforehand so that hard-working microorganisms and compost worms do not choke on the wood residue. Spread the wood chips on the compost heap in stages and in thin layers.

Tip: create a Benje hedge

A recommended variant of branch disposal is the Benjes hedge. This is a deadwood hedge, as 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

Branches can be used to build inviting winter quarters for animals in need. Stack the branches into a loose pile. A thick layer of foliage serves as a warming roof. So that the wind does not blow the leaves, other branches or fir fronds act as attachments. Grateful winter guests arrive quickly, like hedgehogs looking for an apartment.

Tip: Use branches as winter protection

Balcony gardeners appreciate branches as a 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 cover made of fleece or jute encases 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.

tips

Patient hobby gardeners master the disposal of tree roots with compost. A drill (€97.00) drills deep holes in the roots. Fresh compost, ideally enriched with compost accelerator, goes into these openings. Within a few months, the disposal problem is solved with pleasure, i.e. hummus.

Category:

Care tips