Leylandii branches and leaves for composting?

Discussion in 'Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling' started by hedgefog, Sep 30, 2014.

  1. hedgefog

    hedgefog Gardener

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    Hi All

    Just wondering if pruned Leylandii branches and leaves could be composted, or it is not recommended for composting? If not, why not? Any ideas? cheers.
     
    hedgefog, Sep 30, 2014
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  2. westwales

    westwales Gardener

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    When I had a leylandii down a few years ago the tree surgeon recommended not to use it as a garden mulch, I think it was to do with the acidity. He said it would be OK to burn or to use on a path. In the end he bagged the chippings and took it away for me.
     
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      westwales, Sep 30, 2014
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    • Loofah

      Loofah Admin Staff Member

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      I chucked a load no the paths around the veg patch a few years ago and it smells great :) Then it goes brown and sludgy and mould starts to grow... It take a couple of years to decompose but I really wouldn't recommend it for paths and certainly not burning as it would be akin to laying a fog down.
       
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        Loofah, Oct 1, 2014
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      • hedgefog

        hedgefog Gardener

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        Yeah I have heard something like that from somewhere myself, but wasn't sure if it was certain or not. But it must be. I have a loads of leylandii leaves and branches I cut, lying on my plant bed from neighbours hedge, and was wondering what to do with them. Will just have to put them in the council recycle bin. Many thanks for your info.
         
        hedgefog, Oct 1, 2014
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      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        I always have loads and always burn it. It's easier for me as I have regular large bonfires. So it burns quickly as the fire gets very hot.
         
        shiney, Oct 1, 2014
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      • Scrungee

        Scrungee Well known for it

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        Beware of torching big piles of dried out Leylandii branches as they will burn fast and furious sending 1,000's of burning embers into the air and into adjoining gardens.
         
        Scrungee, Oct 1, 2014
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      • nFrost

        nFrost Head Gardener

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        I wouldn't compost them, takes far too long but shredding should help. I would burn them but hold on to your eyebrows!
         
        nFrost, Oct 1, 2014
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      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        I always have a hose alongside my bonfires, just in case the fire gets too fierce.

        Scrungee is correct and you should beware of dried out Leylandii. Burn it when it's fresh, the leaves will burn quite easily, and any unburned wood can be left to get a bit dryer and burnt another time.
         
        shiney, Oct 1, 2014
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