How to Get Mulch From Decomposing Logs

Wood chip mulch can be fine or coarse.

Mulch is a garden material applied over the soil to keep down weeds and keep up the soil‘s moisture level. Mulch can be inorganic, such as gravel or black landscaping plastic or it can be organic. Organic mulch has the added benefit of decomposing and increasing the soil’s nutrient level. Wood chips, straw and grass clippings are common organic mulches. You can make your own mulch from old logs with a rented wood chipper.

Things You'll Need

• Chainsaw or small ax
• Wood chipper

Instructions

1. Use a chainsaw to cut the decomposing logs into sections no more than 3 feet long and 6 inches wide. If the log has decomposed for a long time, it may be soft enough to pull apart manually or with a small ax.

2. Feed the log pieces into a gas-powered wood chipper. You will need a large chipper that can handle branch pieces up to 6 inches in diameter. Keep your hands away from the opening of the chipper and use another stick or broom handle to push the wood down into it.

3. Feed the pieces of the decomposed log into the chipper until you have chipped the entire thing. Look over the wood chip mulch and feed it back into the chipper if you want it to have a finer texture.

4. Spread the mulch around the plants at a depth of 3 to 6 inches. Keep the mulch away from the base of the plants and trees.

References

• NC State University: Mulching Trees and Shrubs
• Trees Are Good: Proper Mulching Techniques
• King County: Make the Mulch of it