Lemon tree mulch

I have 4 fruiting lemon trees on my land. It’s a small variety with loads of juice, even when green. Love it. Don’t love the spiky pruning so much. I’ve killed myself over the past days getting it all through a chipper. Decided it’s not worth the effort for the tiny amount of mulch I get.

Anyone has experience with a practical and hassle free way of using lemon mulch? (stuffing it into a banana circle works, so does burning it - although I’d prefer to find a way that isn’t lightning a fire with it)

Any feedback is welcome.

i chip them, mostly because if I don't I end up with those spikes in my foot. they go straight through the soles of my garden boots if I hit them just right. I have several citrus trees with spikes and they are a major pain in the butt. That said, it's nice to have lemons in the yard!!

(I chip every month or so, and keep these branches in an out-of-the-way place until it's time, and use leather gloves)

Have you considered making biochar? Yes, it's a form of burning, but the result is microbe hotels and carbon that will stay in your soil for a very long time.

This forum https://permies.com/f/190/biochar will show you a bunch of ways to make it and some of the pros and cons.  

I had not considered that, but it’s a great idea. I wonder if I have enough quantity between 4 lemon trees? Most pruning are thin branches

Yes I do have suggestions.

First I lay the branches out on a tarp for the leaves to dry. Then a bang the leaves off and use them for tea. Amazing.

Next, the branches fall into the "thorny stuff" category. I've got a pile of "thorny" going at all times. I put that pile on a spot of ground that is most degraded. I make that pile for the duration of a year, and then let it sit until all thorns are decomposed. By that time vines have covered it, other weeds have taken root under it, sometimes trees too, and the plot rehabilitated and ready to go.