Will wood chips decompose? Will worms Help?

I've cleared a part of my property and ground up the leaves, weeds, vines,
ivy, etc. with a lawn mower. My intent is to let the stuff decompose over
the winter, thoroughly aerate the area next spring, and plant grass.  I've
also got a bunch of branches from trees and bushes I cleared, and was
wondering if I shredded them with a wood chipper and spread them over the
area, would they decompose as well, or would they be too dense?

Also if I bought some worms and spread them, would that help? I live in
Charlotte, NC.

Thanks.