Expert: Gary Bachman Date: 6/28/2008 Subject: Ash Wood Chips
Question This isn't exactly about composting, so feel free to forward it or recommend who to send it to, if you're not the right person. Years ago I planed a few thousand board feet of white oak creating quite a lot of shavings. I placed these around my young pine trees having heard that they really like an acid soil. Right now I have quite a bit of ash chips (from chainsawing, not from planing). Are they a good acid source for pines/should I put them around some young pines I have?
Answer Dave,
How do you know if the soil needs to be acidified? Have you had a soil test? You never, ever try to change the soil pH without such information. If the test reveals the soil needs its pH lowered I would use agricultural sulfur.
Mulching is always a good thing. As far as acidifying the soil I am not so sure. I am more concerned using chain saw residue because of the oil used.
