Return to the Frugal Gardening Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
free mulch from county lanfill - safe to use???
| | |
Posted by hennis 7 - central VA (My Page) on Sun, Jun 8, 08 at 14:49
| I've heard debated among my neighbors for years the "safety" of the free mulch that one can get from our local county landfill. I guess it's made from any and all of the various yard wastes that people dump every day, which can include myriad weeds, diseased wood and possibly termites or other pests.
Some others say the mulching process mitigates he damages of the potential hazards by decomposing harmful weeds and "diseases", and that no pests could survive the process.
I've never heard of anyone having any problems associated with this type of mulch, other than that it isn't as attractive as some of the premium hardwood mulches. On the other hand, I've heard so many people complain about the hazards of the free "dump" mulch that I am leery of using it.
I can't imagine it's any worse than composting your own yard waste.
Opinions on this subject appreciated!!!!! |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: free mulch from county landfill - safe to use???
| | |
In my area, they only shred Xmas trees for free mulch. You can even see bits of tinsel left in there.
But they get shredded, then by the time we go to get it, (May) it has had a bit of time to "settle down". But, it's mostly needles, and not that much wood. So, what's gonna grow in it?
Another thing that happens is old pallets, and lumber from build sites get separated. and shredded, but these get sold in bags.
Call and ask what they shred. |
RE: free mulch from county lanfill - safe to use???
| | |
| My daughter's school uses free mulch on their playground. That's how we found out that she is terribly allergic to poison ivy. They shred and mulch those vines like anything else, and the oil is still active unless the mulch is pretty old. The mulch can also have chiggers. Just a warning if you have problems with these:) |
|
|
|
|
