Hi All, I've just had a good pruning session - so have lots of greenery from my Hornbeam to dispose of. Does anyone know if these metal bin incinerators are any good? What's the best way to start the fire off - and can I expect much smoke given that I'll be burning branches with green leaves? Or is it easier just to get the local tree surgeon to pick it up? Ta
It will obviously burn much better if left to dry out for a few weeks, but i take it you don't have space to store it? Are the branches very thick, just that my hedge trimming I go over with a rotary mower and then put them into the compost heap. Duuno about those bin incinerators, I've only ever had open fires.
I had an incinerator bin. Yes they are very good but, the repeated heating and cooling off the metal, combined with the damp if being outside, takes its toll. They corrode quite quickly. Mine lasted a year and a bit before the bottom fell out. They work fine stood on the ground. They work better if you raise them slightly so that air can get in underneath. If you use it for a long session, it helps if you find a stick that's think enough to fit through the vent holes but thick enough to survive short bursts of extreme heat. As ash builds up in the bottom during a long burn, it will obstruct the bottom vent holes. You can use aforesaid stick to poke in and clear them. When siting the bin for a burn, take note of what's above it. Don't forget about the washing line like I once did. If you put nice dry stuff in, it will generate an insane concentration of heat. Far more than the equivalent open bonfire. Much of that heat is forced straight up out of the chimney. I found when burning leylandii trimmings that it's not unusual to have a 6ft jet of roaring flame coming straight out the top. Can't say much more really. There's the obvious safety precaution stuff that always applies when having a fire but you don't need me to spell that out.
I bought an Aldi incinerator bin,its just ok. My other one is much better. Its a square sided grill with grill base. Crumpled news paper then sticks to get a good burning base then throw everything else on top slowy. A bit of BBq fluid helps to get things going,safer than petrol,no burnt eyebrows. Or Leafmold them. Build a cage or stick them in bags,soak them,pierce holes in bags,come back in a year or two and heh presto.
Fairly small garden so can't really store the cuttings out of sight. Sounds like an incinerator is they way to go from the replies - ta ....definitely the way to go...
