Mulchers That Take Cabbage Tree Leaves

Fibers

• Fibers are long plant cells that contain cellulose and a sticky substance called lignin, the principal noncarbohydrate constituent of wood. Fiber cells die when they are grown but remain in place to provide strength for a growing plant. They can be thought of as part of the skeleton of the plant. Some plants have more fiber cells and lignin than others. Familiar fibers include hemp, cotton and flax. Textiles and rope are made from these long-fibered plants.

Cut and Dry

• Cutting across the fibers shortens them. It is easiest to slice the leaves in half or into several cross-sections while they are still green. This action limits the length of fibers that can wrap around machine parts. Plant material, including cabbage tree leaves, with high fiber content can be dried before chipping, which causes the fibers to break down some and become brittle. They are still difficult to chip but will not wrap around machine parts.

Mulchers, Chippers and Shredders

• Mulchers shred up leaves and other thin plant parts. Chippers cut plant material into chunks and are used for branches and tree limbs, depending on the size of chipper. Shredders, which shear the material into smaller shreds, similar to a cheese shredder, are used for leaves and twigs. Dried cabbage tree leaves should be treated like branches. They have to go through the chipper shoot of a powerful chipper/shredder.

Alternatives

• Plant grinders pound the green fibrous leaves into a pulp. These are large, expensive machines, with a revolving barrel, that can be rented through do-it-yourself home improvement centers. The pulp can be added to compost. Alternatively, bury the green leaves and cover them with soil. If this is done in a damp area, the leaves will rot, but it will take much more time than if they are chipped or ground.