"YMC" wrote in message
...
"symplastless" wrote in message
. ..
Dr. Shigo always insisted not to use fresh chips because of disease.
However composted for a years was greatly helpful if applied correctly.
Do not use fresh chips. The protoplasm from the living parenchyma cells
gets smeared all over the place and attract undesirables that can and do
do nasty things above as well as below ground. Compost them in a pile
for a years and then here are mulching suggestions based on tree biology.
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/M/mulch.html

Not if you compost it for a year or more. The longer the better.

Thanks for replying! Anything I can do to hurry the process? Adding blood
and bone or lime etc..?
You could add reasonable amounts of ammonium nitrate (AN) (fast release
nitrogen fertilizer) to the chip pile and that will stimulate the decay
fungi. The things is that once the contents (protoplasm) of the parenchyma
cells is no more, the problem is over. The faster the wood chips decay
probably the faster this happens. AN does have the potential to pollute
ground water so please go lightly. Also adding a little water and turning
the pile form time to time will help. The micro we are concerned with are
those that attack defenseless cells. Usually when you start to get that
good earth smell and the color darkens you are alright. I decide by smell.


--
Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Consulting Forester & Tree Expert
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.