GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post

Frank · 29-08-2008, 12:32 PM posted to rec.gardens

Billy wrote:
In article
,
wrote:

Howdy!
We've got a heap of fresh mulch (trees were chopped three days ago)
The trees were mainly australian native bushy trees - no idea about
what they are called. The heap is a about 9 cubic meters and ~4-5 feet
high. This morning noticed a white steam rising, and sure enough, it's
warm inside. I dug about 3 feet into it and it's pleasant warm. I
understand why it's warm, what I'm worried about, is it dangerous at
all/ From what I see on the web, there were cases of much taller piles
of mulch selfigniting. It's midspring here in australia, temperatures
are 7-17'C, and even some chance of rain soon. How long it takes for
the mulch to cool down?
Many thanks
kdv09

If it starts feeling hot, spray some water on it. Hot is good because it
kills pests and weed seeds but fresh bailed hay or alfalfa has been
known to combust. A couple of minutes of the hose should do it.

Compost heaps for nearby mushroom businesses were always catching fire.
I think this decreased when fire company started fining composter for
creating hazard.