When spring is here, the pruning starts again. But where to put the clippings? Our tips show how you can use green waste sensibly.
In order for trees, shrubs and flowers to grow better and stay he althy, they need to be pruned from time to time. Some in spring, others in autumn, and others again in spring and autumn. So it is clear that there is a lot of green waste coming together. Anyone who owns a bio bin can consider themselves lucky, because all the clippings are simply put in, the bin is placed on the street and you wait for it to be picked up.
But if you don't have an organic bin or simply have too much clippings that don't fit in the bin, you have to come up with something else. Our 4 clever tips will show you how you can use green waste sensibly and effectively at the same time.
4 clever tips for green waste recycling
Tip 1 - Compost green waste:
Green waste, together with other organic waste, is an excellent structural material for compost production. However, you should only add green waste to the compost that is not infested with pests or plant diseases.
If the plant parts are "soft", you should simply chop them up with secateurs and add them to the compost. Cuttings from trees and shrubs are a little more work. It is best to shred this and then put it in the compost. However, a shredder is required for shredding.
If you don't own a shredder or don't have one yet, we recommend taking a look at our test report. Here you will find the best shredders in the test and also tips to consider when buying a shredder.
Tip 2 - Use green waste for the raised bed:
If you are toying with the idea of creating a raised bed, then the clippings are ideal for this, because a raised bed basically consists of green waste, chopped material, compost, leaves and soil.
If the framework for your raised bed is in place, put the following "ingredients" in it one after the other:
- Layer of 20 centimeters of foliage
- Layer from 20Centimeters of branches and twigs
- Layer of chopped material
- Layer of Grass Clippings
- Layer of 5 cm foliage
- Layer of 15 centimeters of compost
- Layer of 10 centimeters of garden soil
Tip 3 - Use green waste as mulch:
If you have the opportunity to chop the clippings, you can also use them as mulch. This has several advantages, because a layer of mulch keeps moisture in the soil, gives it new nutrients and keeps weeds at bay.
Especially with forest plants, it quickly becomes apparent that they do not really feel comfortable in our garden beds. A mulched floor is therefore very important for them in particular, because it closely resembles the forest floor.
To make mulch yourself, simply chop up the green waste and then spread it generously over the beds (here are important tips for mulching). You will see that your plants will soon do better and you will have to pull a lot less weeds.
Tip 4 - Use green waste as decoration:
You can of course also use the clippings for decoration. Plants are often only cut back so that they grow better and become bushier. The cuttings therefore usually still look good, which is why you can use them as decoration. For example, you could
- Put branches in a floor vase and place on the terrace
- Equip the branch with hanging tea light holders/light chain
- Decorate picture frames with green trimmings
- Make a door wreath
- Make arrangement
- etc.