[USCC] Compost and tree planting

[Cary Oshins]

Hi Michele et al,
While my natural prejudice is to include compost in the backfill, which I
always did for my trees to no obvious detriment (they are all thriving) the
way I would actually answer this question is to look at it "from the tree's
perspective".  If you think about organic matter and a forest soil profile,
all the OM is at the top, with very little down deep.  A tree's roots must
have evolved to be adapted to that condition. So the best thing to do is
probably to backfill with the native soil until about a foot from the top,
then gradually start adding the compost, ending with a inch or two of
straight compost on the surface. 
Cary

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-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Young, Michele
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 4:06 PM
To: 'Compost Discussion List'
Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting

Greetings to all,

In doing a presentation to our local urban forestry group, I was told that
they never recommend putting compost into the backfill hole when planting a
tree. This is because they feel that roots will not search outside of the
root ball area if there is "food" placed there.  I talked to them about
trenching and augering as a way of putting food into other zones, but they
were steadfast about no compost in the planting hole.

All of the planting guides that I have seen and used from the soil
perspective show a compost soil-blend at planting.  I would love to hear
from professionals out there about their experiences, and advice.  Please
check with your urban forestry folks to see if no compost is a common
recommendation, or just a local practice here in San Jose.

Conflicted in San Jose

Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost!
 
Michele Young  
City of San Jose
Environmental Services Department
200 E. Santa Clara St.   Tower 10
San Jose,  CA  95113
Phone: (408) 975-2519
FAX: (408) 292-6212 

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