Large Laurel hedge

[t0ny0k]

I've been asked to cut a 15ft high laurel hedge to 8ft, it is approx 120 feet long. Should I chip it or just haul it out. I have a GTM GTS1300 chipper and a trailer.

[simonm]

I always think its easier to chip it, easier to get rid of too, we run bigger chippers though which will be much quicker.

[stihlmadasever]

Ive chipped laurels before although its recommended not to as its poisonous.Cyanide is produced in the sap especially when burned but also when chipped and a vapour comes from it.

[stihlmadasever]

I've been asked to cut a 15ft high laurel hedge to 8ft, it is approx 120 feet long. Should I chip it or just haul it out. I have a GTM GTS1300 chipper and a trailer.

 

What type of laurel is it,bay,portugese or common?

[t0ny0k]

Common

[stihlmadasever]

Common has a lovely aniseed aroma when chipped.

I suppose its what's more cost effective-hauling or chipping

[daltontrees]

Common has a lovely aniseed aroma when chipped.

I suppose its what's more cost effective-hauling or chipping

 

That lovely aniseed smell is hydrogen cyanide.

 

"Hydrogen cyanide (AC) is a systemic chemical asphyxiant. It interferes with the normal use of oxygen by nearly every organ of the body. Exposure to hydrogen cyanide (AC) can be rapidly fatal. It has whole-body (systemic) effects, particularly affecting those organ systems most sensitive to low oxygen levels: the central nervous system (brain), the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels), and the pulmonary system (lungs). Hydrogen cyanide (AC) is a chemical warfare agent (military designation, AC). Hydrogen cyanide (AC) gas has a distinctive bitter almond odor (others describe a musty "old sneakers smell"), but a large proportion of people cannot detect it; the odor does not provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations."

 

Don't get in to the chipper box to shove it around. Even chipping this stuff in the open I have felt a bit light-headed, it was a still day and I was hemmed in by a hedge and a building.

[tree-fancier123]

glad I saw this thread - had no idea, could be dodgy on a still day, maybe wait till there is a breeze to do it .

 

 

 

'Before the demonstration, pass a pot of the leaves around the class and ask the students if they recognise the smell. Hopefully, someone will mention almonds or marzipan which is the characteristic odour of the HCN. Show the students the toxic hazard symbol, emphasising that HCN is toxic and in a confined space, where higher concentrations can accumulate, it can be lethal.

 

Finally, carefully lift the lid of the jar containing the insect and add a few crushed leaves. Replace the lid and put the pot on a table in view of the class, or use a webcam and projector for larger classes. Watch as the insect rapidly dies in ca 1 minute. '

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

glad I saw this thread - had no idea, could be dodgy on a still day, maybe wait till there is a breeze to do it .

 

 

 

'Before the demonstration, pass a pot of the leaves around the class and ask the students if they recognise the smell. Hopefully, someone will mention almonds or marzipan which is the characteristic odour of the HCN. Show the students the toxic hazard symbol, emphasising that HCN is toxic and in a confined space, where higher concentrations can accumulate, it can be lethal.

 

Finally, carefully lift the lid of the jar containing the insect and add a few crushed leaves. Replace the lid and put the pot on a table in view of the class, or use a webcam and projector for larger classes. Watch as the insect rapidly dies in ca 1 minute. '

 

Looks like a Bee in that Jar! :thumbdown:

[stihlmadasever]

That lovely aniseed smell is hydrogen cyanide.

 

"Hydrogen cyanide (AC) is a systemic chemical asphyxiant. It interferes with the normal use of oxygen by nearly every organ of the body. Exposure to hydrogen cyanide (AC) can be rapidly fatal. It has whole-body (systemic) effects, particularly affecting those organ systems most sensitive to low oxygen levels: the central nervous system (brain), the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels), and the pulmonary system (lungs). Hydrogen cyanide (AC) is a chemical warfare agent (military designation, AC). Hydrogen cyanide (AC) gas has a distinctive bitter almond odor (others describe a musty "old sneakers smell"), but a large proportion of people cannot detect it; the odor does not provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations."

 

Don't get in to the chipper box to shove it around. Even chipping this stuff in the open I have felt a bit light-headed, it was a still day and I was hemmed in by a hedge and a building.

Yeah i adviced not to chip in earlier thread due to cyanid in laurel