[USCC] Compost and tree planting

[Jeffrey Creque]

The "no amendment" approach to tree planting is extremely common, for the
reasons you report.  My own experience with compost and planting thousands
of  trees over the past 30 years is that amending the planting hole with a
mature compost is almost invariably helpful in tree establishment.  The
amount of compost will vary with soil conditions and tree species, but 50%
seems to be a reasonable maximum.  A surface dressing of compost following
planting is also recommended.

Jeff Creque
West Marin Compost Coalition


> [Original Message]
> From: Young, Michele <Michele.Young at sanjoseca.gov>
> To: Compost Discussion List <compost at mailman.cloudnet.com>
> Date: 3/28/2008 7:25:08 AM
> 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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