After doing various work on my yard, I am left with a lot of stray branches that came off of cut trees or fell from existing trees. I have a decent sized pile, but not enought to justify renting a chipper. I could try to burn them, but that would take a while.

Any other suggestions?

If I put them into a large pile would they ever decay enough to be used for mulch or compost or something?

I cannot put them on the curb for removal as our town doesn't take these in the quatities that I have.

I am also afraid a large pile might attract some animals that would make the place their home.

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Help!!!

If I put them into a large pile would they ever decay enough to be used for mulch or compost or something?
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Yes they would, but the smaller they are broken up, the more quickly they'll break down. If they are still "green" , i.e. not dead and hard, they could be soft enough to run over with the mower.
Others could be cut into smaller pieces and use the mowed stuff to cover them. This would be an excellent base material for a compost pile too.

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The secret is the soil.