Thing about the chipper is, they are *so* loud, and as some famous gardener whose name I've forgotten once said, they disturb the peace of the garden.
Of course, YMMV on that opinion.
Piling up brush does work, if you just leave it for several years, you find under it is some lovely humus.
Funny thing going on here. My housemate is so impressed with my compost -- she called it elegant when describing it to the lawn guy she's known for years -- that she has been inviting friends and relatives into the back yard to see it.
So I've given a few impromptu composting for beginners lessons.
