Using cuttings from conifers

I think that I already know the answer to this question is, but I'll ask it anyway and see what the GC opinion is.

At this time of year, I have a lot of cuttings from my conifers. As I know these contain toxins, the normal thing that I do is shred them and put them on the compost. Its generally accepted that after 6 months, the toxins have disappeared, and they can be used as mulch.

What would happen if I did not shred them and used them as bracken to cover the ground? Would the toxins leech out and poison plants? Or would they not due to the fact its only really what happens in nature?

Discuss...

 

No idea but an interesting topic and one I'll keep an eye on

 

Hiya Sandy
I trim junipers, cryptomerias and several taxus varieties and leave much of the "cuttings" as a mulch. No adverse effects at all....nearby plants thrive.
I would not use around edible crops, fruit bushes or in the veg patch because toxins are present. I would not add to the compost heap either as this usually ends up as a mulch in vegetable patch.
Conifers like pines produce very acidic soils so fine in ericaceous beds

 

Hi Sandy, if i've got any prunings i put them over Fuchsias etc just to provide a bit extra cover for the Winter.

 

@Sandy Ground and agree with @"M" interesting topic - no experience of conifer clippings but maybe like Autumn leaves are often collected specifically to make leaf mold, the conifer clippings could be designated to add to soil/compost to create ericaceous soil - i know when i have had to buy it it's quite expensive,so if you have few bags spare in the future I'll gladly take some off your hands
could be a lucrative business move depending on how many conifers you have - patent the idea quickly

 

I usually get enough to fill a Ford Transit. Is that enough for you?