New farm owner here. This particular farm has about 50 acres that is natural with multitudes of very large oak and pecan trees. Would be interested in suggestions for organic recycling of large limbs that fall during storms, etc. Should I purchase a tree chipper and utilize the shredded limbs in compost piles? Would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone with experience on this. Thanks - Susan

Thank you for the information Bluestem. I was not aware they made chippers that run off the PTO of the tractor. That sounds very interesting and will look into it.

here is an example of a PTO Chipper Shredder

http://www.widgets.ws/prod/Northerntool ... -Fast.html

hope it helps

Dustoff, thank you for that link. They are very reasonably priced and I like the idea of them operating from the tractor. If you have any firsthand tips or tales of experience, would appreciate any input. Thanks - Susan

My only experience with the PTO driven ones are those my Uncle used. He farms Almonds in california. He spends most of his time trimming trees and got tired of the large brush piles and numerous trips to move the limbs. He got smart and uses the chipper to grind up the limbs and piles the mulch up at the edge of the orchard. Just remember to be careful with the size of limb you are putting in, and wear hearing and eye protection.

Thank you dustoff. I saw a PTO chipper in the lot of the farm rental equipment this weekend--so might have to go and check that out. Appreciate your input. - Susan

Greenacres-
This may not be in your plan but you might incorporate a brush pile into your thoughts on disposing of brush and limbs. This is a great wildlife habitat where birds and little animals can go to escape predators and the elements. It also gives climbing plants a chance to do their thing. Yes it could harbor a skunk or a possum but wildlife is wildlife.
Tony M

Tony M--I'm embarrassed to tell you how dumb I must be. This farm is a fairly recent purchase and it is a little over 100 acres in size. The 50 acres mentioned in this post are abundant with wildlife which is also because of a huge creek that runs through the property. The previous owner has two very large brush piles (as you suggested) tucked in two dense areas of trees. Couldn't understand this until your suggestion. We have added to them, but my concern was the possibility of Africanized bees making it their home as well. This of course can be checked -- my husband is a bee person, so he is handling that--but you have made it more understandable why they had these two brush piles located as such.

What a great bulletin board. Thank you - Susan

Cut and stack, both great for outdoor cooking.