As far as using anything with the word "fresh" in front of it with trees -
is not recommended for use. Composted wood chips, composted manure and such
are great for mulch once composted and if applied "correctly".
You could mix composted manure with composted wood chips and leaves as mulch
for trees.


Mulching -
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/M/mulch.html

Two good articles written by Dr. Shigo with respect to mulch.

Improper Fertilization (See A Touch of Chemistry)
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/CHEM.html

Troubles in the Rhizosphere
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/RHIZO.html

Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Consulting Tree Biologist
www.treedictionary.com
and
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
Watch out for so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, tornado's, volcanic eruptions and other
abiotic forces keep reminding humans that they are not the boss.



"Dave Hill" wrote in message
...
On 9 Sep, 15:55, Ed ex@directory wrote:
First time allotment holder, seeking advice...

The local riding stables have left a whole big load of horse manure
outside of our allotment site for folk to use. It is pretty fresh
(great strong pong from it) and it contains only a moderate amount of
straw.

Notwithstanding the warnings I have seen on this list and elsewhere
regarding contamination with weed killers and the like, how can I
beneficially use this stuff?

Can I use this manure straight away on the beds in my plot as a top
mulch and dig it in next spring? Or should I just add it to my compost
bins and let it mature there for, say, a year and then use it?

Also which plants would benefit from an application of manure? I seem
to recall that root crops don't like recently manured beds?

Ed

I wish they'd leave me a few loads.
It wasn't long ago "They" were saying dont use horse manure with
shavings
My neighbours use shavings and sell all the manure they have from 4
horses at 50p a bag
David Hill