Best Backyard Wood Chipper

If you’ve got trees, hedges, or a garden in your backyard, you know how fast branches, leaves, and yard debris can pile up. A backyard wood chipper is the ultimate tool for turning that clutter into useful mulch, compost, or simple-to-haul chips—saving you time, effort, and money.

This guide walks you through the best backyard wood chippers for 2024, highlighting electric and gas-powered options, key features to look for, and how to pick the one that best matches your property and needs.

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Why You Need a Backyard Wood Chipper

Backyard wood chippers are smaller, more affordable versions of commercial machines designed for home use. They’re perfect for:

• Chipping twigs, branches, and trimmings after pruning or storms

• Shredding leaves for mulch or compost

• Saving money by reducing waste disposal trips

• Creating homemade mulch for gardens, paths, or flower beds

With the right chipper, you can keep your yard clean year-round—and even turn waste into a resource.

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Best Backyard Wood Chippers in 2024

1. Sun Joe CJ602E 15-Amp Electric Wood Chipper

Best for: Small backyards and light-duty chipping

Direct Answer: The Sun Joe CJ602E is a compact, affordable electric wood chipper designed for twigs and small branches up to 1.5 inches—ideal for occasional yard maintenance.

Key Features:

• 15-amp electric motor

• Chips branches up to 1.5 inches

• Lightweight (26 lbs) with wheels for portability

• Simple push-button start and safety hopper

Why It’s Great for Backyards:

• Quiet and emission-free operation

• Perfect for use near the house or garden

• Maintenance-free electric design

Limitations:

• Not suitable for thick or wet branches

• Requires an outdoor-rated extension cord

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2. PowerSmart PS10 Electric Wood Chipper

Best for: Budget-conscious users with limited yard space

Direct Answer: The PowerSmart PS10 is one of the most affordable electric chippers for backyard use, handling branches up to 1.6 inches with a compact, wheeled frame.

Specs:

• 15-amp motor

• Max capacity of 1.6 inches

• 33 lbs, easy to move and store

• Safety locking knob and overload protection

Why You’ll Like It:

• Extremely affordable (usually under $200)

• Great for hedge trimmings, garden waste, and twigs

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver

Considerations:

• Limited to small-diameter wood

• Works best on dry, seasoned branches

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3. Earthwise GS70015 Electric Chipper/Shredder

Best for: Homeowners who want clean mulching and leaf shredding

Direct Answer: The Earthwise GS70015 features a 1.75-inch capacity and includes a collection bin for mulch, making it a backyard favorite for gardening and yard cleanup.

Top Features:

• 15-amp electric motor

• Integrated 1.2-bushel collection bin

• Push stick included for safe feeding

• Chips up to 1.75-inch branches

Why It Stands Out:

• Excellent for composting or mulching garden debris

• Neat and tidy operation with bagged output

• Compact enough for patios, sheds, or tight corners

Watch Outs:

• Not meant for heavy or green wood

• Works best on dry branches and leaves

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4. GreatCircleUSA 7HP Gas Wood Chipper Shredder

Best for: Medium to large backyards with mature trees

Direct Answer: This gas-powered chipper handles branches up to 3 inches, giving you serious power for regular cleanup or seasonal storm debris.

Highlights:

• 7 HP 212cc gas engine

• Chipping, shredding, and mulching capabilities

• Up to 3-inch branch capacity

• Side discharge for easy raking or collection

Why It’s Backyard-Ready:

• No cords—use it anywhere on your property

• Great for pruning trees, clearing brush, or firewood trimming

Trade-Offs:

• Louder and heavier than electric models (~125 lbs)

• Requires fuel and routine maintenance

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5. Landworks Mini Wood Chipper (Gas-Powered)

Best for: Larger properties needing occasional big cleanup

Direct Answer: The Landworks Mini chipper handles up to 3-inch limbs and features a towable frame, making it ideal for big backyards with lots of trees or fencing.

Features:

• 7 HP 4-stroke engine

• Durable all-steel build

• Optional tow bar attachment

• Compact but powerful

Why It Works:

• Strong enough for thick limbs, dry or green

• Compact enough for backyard storage

• Easy to tow with a lawn tractor or ATV

Things to Consider:

• A bit overkill for small yards

• Requires some mechanical confidence to maintain

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What to Look for in a Backyard Wood Chipper

Before you choose a model, consider your yard size, debris type, and how often you’ll use it.

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1. Chipping Capacity

Most backyard chippers handle 1.5″ to 3″ branches. Here’s a simple guide:

Tip: Choose a chipper with a capacity slightly above your typical branch size to avoid clogs.

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2. Power Type: Electric vs Gas

Electric is great for light work near the house. Gas is better for regular heavy-duty backyard use.

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3. Portability and Storage

Look for:

• Wheels and handles for easy movement

• Compact size for garage or shed storage

• Folding or detachable parts if space is tight

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4. Safety Features

Important features include:

• Overload protection

• Push paddles or sticks to feed material safely

• Covered hoppers and locking knobs to prevent accidents

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5. Collection Bags or Bins

Some models include:

• Integrated bins to collect mulch

• Rear bag attachments for neater operation

• Side discharge chutes for easy rake-up

If you want to use the chips or mulch, a collection system makes the job easier.

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Quick Comparison Table

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Who Should Buy a Backyard Wood Chipper?

You’ll benefit from a backyard chipper if:

• You regularly trim hedges or trees

• You want to turn waste into mulch or compost

• You’re tired of bagging and hauling yard debris

• You want a cleaner, easier way to keep your yard tidy year-round

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Conclusion: Pick the Right Backyard Chipper for Your Needs

A good backyard wood chipper can make routine maintenance a breeze. Whether you need something small and quiet or powerful and portable, there’s a model that fits your cleanup style.

Best Picks Recap:

• Sun Joe CJ602E – Best all-around electric chipper for small yards

• Earthwise GS70015 – Perfect for gardeners and mulchers

• GreatCircleUSA 7HP – Ideal for homeowners with bigger limbs to chip

• Landworks Mini – Rugged option for tree-heavy properties

• PowerSmart PS10 – Best budget option for light-duty use

Still unsure? Share your yard size, types of trees or brush, and how often you clean up—I’ll help you find your perfect chipper match.