Soils that are "alive" with microbes will break down organic matter
(ie. dead root balls) more quickly. When chemicals are applied to kill
weeds, they also kill the other life in the soil. At this point, you
need to focus on building up the life in the soil. This is best done
with a natural, nutrient-packed product. The only organic product that
I have found that actually works is made by a company called
Terralife. Their website: www.save-a-tree.com

Good luck!
Callie N.


"Penny S." wrote in message ...
OK, first we're building this wall, everyone please admire....

www.cet.com/~pennys/images/wallview.jpg

What was here was overgrown junipers, kinnikinnik, grass and weeds. We hand
pulled all the jumipers and dug the stumps out, killed the grass with
numerous applications of round up.

I really wanted to bobcat all the old crap out but that idea was vetoed. So
now we have a lot of dead rootmass from the grass. It's good for
stabilization on the slopes. As we gradually plant, we amend each large
hole very well. There are a good number of worms living here anyway.

The real question is, is there a recommended top dressing or product that
would help the root mass break down faster? As we fill in the uneven spots,
we are bringing in top quality bedding mix too.

thanks

penny s