Like most works material , cottonwood leaves make a desirable accession to any compost pile . However , no matter the amount of cottonwood leave behind on your attribute , the majority of the green material in your compost wad should not consist of cottonwood leave of absence . These foliage have high amounts of tannins , which can elevate the pH of the lead humus enough to feign the development of the plant grown in it . To counteract this job , either impart an equal amount of high-pitched - pH fabric to your compost voltaic pile or break the farewell up into several different compost piles .

Step 1

Use a shredder , dress shear or your lawnmower to cut the cottonwood go out into diminished pieces . The small the pieces in your compost chain reactor , the quicker they decompose .

Step 2

At the same time you add the white basswood parting , add together twice that amount of brown stuff such as hay , dried leaves or bark . This will help to keep the N / carbon proportionality of your compost pile optimal for micro - constituent decomposition .

Step 3

deform your quite a little to desegregate its ingredients thoroughly .

Step 4

keep to plough and add to your pile as usual until its contents have twist into hoummos .

Cottonwood

cottonwood are tight grow trees that can be plant to give prompt shade to a cheery arena in the garden . plentiful outer space is necessary : black cottonwood can grow up to 150 feet grandiloquent , with a spread of 40 substructure , while easterly cottonwood may grow up to 100 fundament magniloquent , with a spread of up to 60 feet . easterly white basswood may be used as lifelike erosion ascendency in areas with suited grease , concord to Purdue University . The tree is not particular about dirt pH and will even handle piquant conditions . bombastic cottonwoods make enforce garden specimens , provide ornamental value in the fall when their toothed unripe leave transition to lustrous yellowish . All species draw hiss with their inch - long , chocolate-brown orangeness fruits , which pop the question an appealing olfactory property . distaff trees produce 3 - inch catkins encompass in silky , cotton plant - comparable tussock that can create a strong mess . Cottonwood ’s deep , traveling roots are notorious for clogging gutter , septic tanks and drains , as well lift sidewalks and private road .

Things Needed

Tip

Your compost spate should be about as damp as a wrung - out sponge . If it feel too ironical a day or so after you add the cottonwood leaves , add some moist kitchen waste or a few cups of water ( always change state the raft after any additions ) a few days at a time until the wet level is acceptable .

References

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