Was using tree multch as fill dirt a bad idea?
Question:About a month ago I had an enormous water oak trimmed in my front yard. The tree covered most of my front yard and prevented grass from growing. The guy who trimmed the tree told me that he could blow the mulched up branches into my yard and when it broke down it would create excellent fill dirt. The mulch is much bigger than I expected and am unsure how long it will take to brake down. I am courious if this was a bad idea, but if not how long will I have to wait until I can start a new yard.
Answers:
Mulch is the opposite of what you want in an area that you want a lawn to grow. Oak especially is a tree associated with acidic soil and it's leaves will raise the acidity in the soil as it breaks down. Grass does not grow well in acidic soil and the mulched up tree will (over many years) break down and raise the acidity in the soil. This is going to create a lifelong battle to grow a healthy lawn. You can combat the problem with lime (sold at garden centers/ pretty cheap). The lime will reduce the acidity. Clear some mulch out, replace with top soil, spread the lime spring summer and fall, and you should be alright.
This is going to take years to break down.
Probably not such a good idea, If your trying to get a lawn real fast. Over the course of time It will work.
Using multch as a fill dirt is a bad idea. because it takes around five to ten years to break down into soil and it also takes alot of wood multch to make soil. It's alright to use it along with fill dirt, but not by itself. Also, it's alright to use around plants to kill weeds and th help keep the ground wet.
The wood chips, leaves and green twigs are good stuff in the right place. You can pile it up and compost it or use it as is to mulch gardens or line paths. You can also till it in and compost in place for a lawn, but you'll need to add a little extra nitrogen and don't be surprised or alarmed if you get a few fairy rings. RScott
Yes. Yes it was.
It will take the best part of a decade to turn your mulch into compost.
Rake it all out of your yard and buy some black dirt or head for the landfill and get some compost. Many communities have a compost pile that's free to the public (If your town collects yard waste, that is.)
Call your city office to find out.
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