conifer

we are in process of removing some very overgrown leylandi, under the trees is a huge mound about 3 foot high of rotted pine needles can we use this on garden it is well rotten underneath and can we put the green stuff in compost bin, we are shredding the branches is that ok to put in as well

 

Hi Galaxysue! Im reading a book on composting at the moment (!)it says that pine needles are low in calcium and therfore acidic. A large amount of them in a compost bin may take ages to compost as bacteria do not like acid conditions. Hope this helps a bit!!

 

In my experience conifer material is slow to rot down. That's probably why the pile of material has built up under the trees. I would mix the leaves and shredded wood in with other compostable material to help it rot down.

 

A long time ago, I was told that it was a good mulch for strawberries. Never tried it myself, anyone tried it? :confused:

 

Sue - When we had leylandi hedges I used to use the clippings on some of the paths in the garden - great for keeping weeds down and smelled quite nice too. When I finally cut down the hedges (they had become trees) I just had a big bonfire and used the ash on the garden.

 

If youve got camelias, rodedendron, heathers or other acid lovers then use it on its own as a multch otherwise forget it.

 

Thanks, P.G. Never realised you can use it for camellias.

 

thanks you have been very helpful, will put it round my camelia