Is it safe to use shredded leylandii branches in a mulch/compost heap? The
reason why I am asking is that it seems nothing grows under the dreaded
trees, and I am wondering if the trees themselves are toxic?
Many thanks for informed replies!

--
Cat(h)
The world swirls...

On Mon, 14 Jun 2004 16:24:52 +0100, "Cat"
wrote:

Is it safe to use shredded leylandii branches in a mulch/compost heap? The
reason why I am asking is that it seems nothing grows under the dreaded
trees, and I am wondering if the trees themselves are toxic?
Many thanks for informed replies!

They'll be fine - the lack of growth under conifers is due to the lack
of light, and the natural mulching effect of the dead foliage.

Regards,



--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
www.shwoodwind.co.uk
Emails to: showard{whoisat}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk

Cat wrote:

Is it safe to use shredded leylandii branches in a mulch/compost heap? The
reason why I am asking is that it seems nothing grows under the dreaded
trees, and I am wondering if the trees themselves are toxic?
Many thanks for informed replies!


I use them in my compost heap with no problems. I wouldn't personally
use them as a mulch as coniferous clippings tend to be acidic. Once
composted and mixed in with everything else though they should be fine.

The shreddings compost extremely well if you have enough; mine usually
turn to ash in the centre because they get so hot. It's probably worth
keeping an eye on the heap for the first few days and watering if it
gets too hot.

On Mon, 14 Jun 2004 16:24:52 +0100, "Cat"
wrote:

Is it safe to use shredded leylandii branches in a mulch/compost heap? The
reason why I am asking is that it seems nothing grows under the dreaded
trees, and I am wondering if the trees themselves are toxic?
Many thanks for informed replies!

Best use for them, apart from logs that is. I shred all my Leylandii
trimmings and prunings, up to say 3/4 inch diameter, and use it as
mulch. I tend to store it in bags for a few months first, to brown it
off, as I don't like to see fresh green mulch, but that's just a
personal thing.


--
Chris

E-mail: christopher[dot]hogg[at]virgin[dot]net

"Cat" wrote in message
...
Is it safe to use shredded leylandii branches in a mulch/compost heap?
The
reason why I am asking is that it seems nothing grows under the dreaded
trees, and I am wondering if the trees themselves are toxic?
Many thanks for informed replies!

--
Cat(h)
The world swirls...



Many thanks to Stephen, Bigboard and Chris for their helpful answers. You
have made my day - so there *is* a use for leylandii.... I must start the
negotiations with the neighbours fortwith to shred not just a few branches,
but the whole bloody lot!!!
Good to hear too that the logs are good for burning, for that was my plan
for them. I feared they might spit as most conifer timber does, although it
should not be too bad in my kitchen pot belly stove.
Thanks again to all, and happy gardening.

--
Cat(h)
The world swirls...

Cat wrote:


Many thanks to Stephen, Bigboard and Chris for their helpful answers. You
have made my day - so there *is* a use for leylandii.... I must start the
negotiations with the neighbours fortwith to shred not just a few branches,
but the whole bloody lot!!!
Good to hear too that the logs are good for burning, for that was my plan
for them. I feared they might spit as most conifer timber does, although it
should not be too bad in my kitchen pot belly stove.
Thanks again to all, and happy gardening.


They're not ideal for burning, being resinous woods. They can cause gum
to be deposited in the chimney which increases the chance of a chimney
fire. As well as this, they're not very good firewood.