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Carrollton, Ga.

I have always heard that maple leaves are the best. Not many of those around here. Would oak leaves be better than no leaves?

Thanks for the help,
Doug

Jn. 3:16

11/7/2005 7:48:17 PM

Mastic Beach, New York

I use them..just run them over with mower couple times, by spring there gone..

11/7/2005 9:22:45 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Just a nu-B here but have read several times to avoid adding oak leaves...not sure why...would like to know. Thinking it is something more than decomposition rate, guessing some chemical in leaf might prohibit growth. Just a guess. We can only hope that one of the compost guru's (MontyJ?) will chip in and help us nu-B's out again. Somebody allways comes thru!!!!! Yeah BP.com Peace Wayne

11/7/2005 9:40:21 PM

Leamington, Ont.

here's a recent dicussion on this topic

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=138434

11/7/2005 10:12:22 PM

Follansbee, Wv

The acidic nature of oak leaves isn't a real problem, because as Doc said in another post, they will end up close to neutral after composting. Their high lignin content can be troublesome for composting. The cure is a little extra nitrogen. Shredding them up helps to break them down faster. Large amounts tilled into the patch could cause a nitrogen deficiency in the soil since they do require a bit more N to break down. An application of blood meal or urea when you till them in would help offset this. Just be careful with it because you don't want an excess of N at planting time ;)
Your best bet would be to compost them first. They will provide the same amount of OM as they would if you tilled them in, with less risk.

11/8/2005 8:35:50 AM

REHOBOTH Mass.

I have a question.... I have a pile of oak, maple and pine shavings approximately two years old, thats been outside in the weather. I am looking to add it to my pumpkin patch to help airate and compost the soil. Am I hurting or helping the soil? Any opinions would be appreciated.

4/2/2007 7:29:07 PM