"Billy" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"symplastless" wrote:

"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.

Another person might tell you that using fresh pine chips invites
artillery fungus which is also called the "sphere thrower".

I agree 100% The more composted the wood chips the less likely you are to
get artillery fungus. Its associated with the parenchyma cells.



Usually pine
mulch will simply lower the pH of the soil, making it more acidic. If
you are only using pine chips from your own trees, it is probably safe
to use it. If there is a problem with artillery fungus,"sphere thrower"
fungus, in the area then it is best to avoid it.

Secondly, any chemical fertilizers will kill the natural, and desired,
micro flora and fauna in you soil. Use fish emulsion or some other
organic source.
--

Billy

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