The Garden Community for Garden Lovers

Can I use shredded conifer branches and l leaves?

ziggy

By Ziggy

Lancashire, United Kingdom Gb

I am thinning out conifers that have outgrown their space and my affection. I am taking off the branches and shredding them to make it easier to saw down the trunk.
Is it a good idea to use the debris as mulch? A friend has suggested that it would be too acid.




Answers

 

I imagine your shredded conifer would have the same effect as the bits of trees and needles left behind after a forest clearfell operation (albeit on a smaller scale!). If they do, then any water filtering through it will tend to become more acid. The effect on your garden probably depends on what you are mulching - some plants would actually be grateful for the drop in pH and many others wouldn't mind, but many calcareous-loving plants wouldn't thank you in the long run.

A' best,

Mark

7 Jul, 2009

 

Rhodos, camelias etc, would like a conifer mulch. Any thing that likes acidic conditions as Peatysmoky says. A little wouldn't do any harm, just not a really thick layer across the enitre garden!

It would need to be left alone for atleast 1 or 2 years in order for it too lose some of its acidity, and then the spot where it was stored would be acidic, If it was in bags then the weather wouldnt get to it to leach out acidity!

7 Jul, 2009

How do I say thanks?

Answer question

Related photos

  • Then I put down some black mulch to make the pathway stand out
    Flcrazy
  • half way through mulching the woodland bed
    Majeekahead
  • garden 2008
    Brlpr2008
  • Seeds On Bark Mulch
    Jacque

 


Related questions

Not found an answer?