Pepper Tree Leaves as Mulch - Yes or No?
ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
9 years ago
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jerijen
9 years agoporkpal zone 9 Tx
9 years agoRelated Discussions
California pepper tree mulch: is it terminal?
Comments (6)Where I've occasionally had a problem with wood chip mulch is fresh and in the vegetable garden on young vegetables. The actual research I've seen is that you can rarely harm a tree with alleopathic mulch and I use tons of mulch from unidentified trees in my fruit tree nursery and in scores of home orchards every season. What was said about such compounds leaching out quickly is correct- but it can take about 6 months of rainy weather as I recall. Fresh mulch may leach some of these compounds but not enough to noticeably affect young trees in my experience....See Moreusing leaves for mulch
Comments (8)As you noticed toward the bottom of your pile of leaves they are wet, because? Whole leaves can pack down and can slow the flow of water to the soil, but anywhere that I have seen whole leaves piled on soil that soil, under the leaves, has been very moist. Whole leaves, depending on the tree species, can be difficult for the soil bacteria to digest, Oak leaves and Pine needles being the worst while Maples (Acer species) are very easy, If the purpose of a mulch is to aid in retaining soil moisture why would whole leaves be any worse for that purpose than shredded leaves, which the soil bacteria find very delectable and digest very quickly (at least in my garden) so that by the middle of August when I really need that mulch they have pretty well digested it. I would put the whole leaves down and not worry about it....See MoreSafe to Mulch with Sycamore Leaves?
Comments (1)Yes, sycamore leaves will be fine for a mulch. They will break down into the soil and the slight acidity will be neutralized eventually as it decomposes. I would use shredded leaves, though. Whole leaves tend to mat down and keep water from penetrating the soil underneath....See MoreOak tree leaves and limbs as mulch
Comments (16)Thanks. This is my first experience with HOT compost. Immediately after the cutting down of the trees I experienced feeling fairly warm temps coming from the pile. Was neat and now I finally know what they mean by hot compost. I've stacked the remainder behind the new firewood and created a separate compost pile where I'm adding kitchen scraps. I've kept everything around 2-3'' thickness. I bought a bag of peat a long time ago. Can I add that to any pile? I know peat is trickier. Thanks, AL...See Morelazy_gardens
9 years agoAdam Harbeck
9 years agojerijen
9 years agojerijen
9 years agoingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
9 years agonikthegreek
9 years agoroseseek
9 years agoSow_what? Southern California Inland
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9 years agoingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
9 years agoSow_what? Southern California Inland
9 years agoKippy
9 years agoingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
9 years agoSow_what? Southern California Inland
9 years agonikthegreek
9 years agohoovb zone 9 sunset 23
9 years agoingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
9 years agoodinthor
9 years agoKippy
9 years agoSow_what? Southern California Inland
9 years ago
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