There's no question summer weather conditions can change without warning - going from sunshine and blue skies to intense wind and rain in the blink of an eye. While you can't always predict when Mother Nature will bring such conditions your way, you can prepare for the expected aftermath of storms - fallen branches, small debris and leaves - with the right equipment.
Chipper shredder vacuums are great for yard debris cleanup since they move across the yard like a traditional vacuum, allowing you to remove and finely chop up leaves, twigs and small debris. Chipper shredder vacuums like the CSV 060 Push Chipper Shredder Vac sweep up leaves and debris quickly, plus feature an extension vacuum hose so you can reach tight spots between flower beds and under shrubs. With the combination of wood chipping, shredding and vacuuming, you can easily turn eight bags of yard debris into one - saving you time and keeping your lawn tidy.
But before you get in the yard and start your equipment, there are a few chipper shredder vacuum tips you should know to help you complete your cleanup projects in a timely and efficient manner.
Learn how to operate your equipment.
Be sure to read your owner's manual prior to using your chipper shredder vacuum so you understand how to properly operate your equipment and prevent injury.
Inspect your yard.
Aside from the expected leaves and small debris in your yard, there can be other materials like rocks scattered throughout the lawn that can disrupt the vacuuming and shredding process or even ruin your equipment. That's why it's important to walk through your yard and scan for and remove any foreign objects that could jam your chipper shredder vacuum.
Check your chipper shredder vacuum.
Yard debris can get caught in the chute during the cleanup process and lead to equipment inefficiencies, which is why you should always examine your chipper shredder vacuum before and after use. When doing so, always make sure your equipment is completely turned off to prevent injury.
Be patient.
Even though using a chipper shredder vacuum cuts down on cleanup time, don't rush or force materials into your equipment. Remember, the chipper shredder vacuums can accept branches and twigs up to 1.5" in diameter - anything larger can damage the equipment and cause injury. If you find yourself dealing with larger limbs, a traditional chipper shredder may work best for your needs.
Don't forget the hard-to-reach areas.
It's not uncommon to find leaves and other loose debris stuck between flower beds and landscape during the summer. Instead of raking, use the extension hose on your chipper shredder vacuum so you can easily clean up these areas and avoid any damage to your plants.
Mulch.
After you're done with the cleanup, repurpose the materials your chipper shredder vacuum breaks down either as compost or rich mulch among your flower beds. The leaves and branches found in the finely chopped material will serve as great sources of nutrients for the soil that will aid the health of your lawn and plants.
