Web Master:
Hey Christine, any wood thicker than your finger will take a long time to break down in a compost - unless you chop it finely first.
If you have a sturdy rotary mower or a dedicated mulcher then you can chop it up into small chips this way and it will go well in the compost, breaking down within about 6 months easily.
If you can't do this but have a fire-grate then its good to burn the wood and then sparingly sprinkle the ashes on your garden - though don't put too much in one spot as it is very alkaline and some plants will respond badly to this.
You can also sprinkle ashes on your compost, the worms will like it as it will neutralise any acid elements in your heap like onions and citrus, which they hate.