Wood chips and wood shavings are commonly used for various purposes, from animal bedding to landscaping and biomass fuel. However, many people are confused about which material is the better option for their specific needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at wood chips vs. wood shavings and compare their properties, uses, advantages, and disadvantages.
Size and Texture
One of the main differences between wood chips and wood shavings is their size and texture. Wood chips are larger and irregularly shaped, ranging in size from about 0.25 to 2 inches in diameter. They may have a mix of bark, leaves, and twigs, and have a rough and uneven texture.
Wood shavings, on the other hand, are thinner and more uniform in size and shape, ranging in thickness from about 0.25 to 1 inch. They are typically obtained from planing or milling operations and have a consistent texture and color.
Uses
Wood chips and wood shavings are used for a variety of purposes, including animal bedding, mulch, and biomass fuel. However, they are often used for different applications due to their size and texture.
Wood chips are commonly used as a natural mulch to retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature in gardens, parks, and other landscapes. They are also used as an animal bedding material for livestock, poultry, and pets due to their absorbent and odor-neutralizing properties.
Wood shavings are often used as a soft and absorbent bedding material for horses, cows, pigs, and small animals. They are also used as a packaging material for fragile or delicate items during shipping and storage, as well as for arts and crafts.
Wood Chips: Definition and Uses
Wood chips are small, irregularly shaped pieces of wood that are usually obtained from logging or sawmill operations. They range in size from about 0.25 to 2 inches in diameter and may have a mix of bark, leaves, and twigs. Wood chips are commonly used for the following applications:
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Mulch: Wood chips can be used as a natural mulch to retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature in gardens, parks, and other landscapes.
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Animal bedding: Wood chips are an excellent bedding material for livestock, poultry, and pets as they are absorbent, odor-neutralizing, and comfortable.
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Biomass fuel: Wood chips can be burned to generate heat or electricity in industrial and residential boilers, furnaces, and power plants.
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Playground surfaces: Wood chips can be used as a safe and resilient surface for playgrounds, parks, and other recreational areas.
Advantages of Wood Chips