From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Loudonville Oh

are there problems with saw dust mulch i'm using several inches of saw dust ahead of new growth

6/16/2008 7:28:31 PM

Coupeville WA

The wood will utilize the soil's nitrogen to break down. This could make for some soil chemistry imbalances.

6/16/2008 8:13:14 PM

[email protected]

Nitrogen draft. Due to the complexities of rep;acing the N, I would recommend composting the saw dust first.

6/16/2008 8:35:58 PM

Rhode Island

listen to tremor. leave the saw dust where ever you got it.
if you must mulch try fully composted leaves. plus you can till it in after the season.
there are many composting facilities around most major areas
its healthy and will also supply some additional nutrients after watering,etc.

6/16/2008 8:43:42 PM

Loudonville Oh

thanks for the response i was more concerned about pH levels over time if nitrogen is the biggest concern i may continue with the saw dust i have a bad back and bad knees and the saw dust is clean and easy to spread

6/16/2008 9:36:09 PM

Mt Vernon Ky

Tremor what if the saw dust is over 50 years old it is black as coal

6/16/2008 10:15:33 PM

Somers, CT

Then it is probably composted or full of stain. If it looks like dirt, it is fine. Have it tested if you really worry. Connecticut will do a short version for free or UMASS for $13.

6/16/2008 10:28:13 PM

[email protected]

I would be worried about the pH as well. Personally I wouldn't use it, too acidic.

6/16/2008 11:03:50 PM

Columbus,ohio

I know there is something about saw dust,but I'm not sure what. Also it depends on the tree The wood came from.

6/16/2008 11:27:42 PM

Santa Rosa, CA.

If you have a bad back and bad knees get yourself a hoe. If you are trying to grow the biggest pumpkin you can don't use saw dust.

6/16/2008 11:41:53 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Carbon-nitrogen ratio of sawdust is like 500 to 1. When you till it in at the end be sure you till in enough nitrogen to compensate for the imbalance you will cause next year. it will suck nitrogen from all the rain this year. composted leaves are a better choice if available.

6/17/2008 7:09:34 AM