Expert: Greg - 4/17/2006

Question
My husband and I have timbered 60 acres and we are thinking of taking the debris that is left and chipping it into mulch.  I saw your one question about letting fresh wood chips sit for one year.  Is there anything else that we should know about making our own wood chip mulch?

Answer
Hello Karen

I guess the only thing is what kind of wood is it?


Here in Michigan, we have a problem with the Emerald Ash Borer. You have not stated where in the Country you are located, so if any of these are Ash, precautions should be taken. Chip them to 1" or less, DO NOT transport Ash wood across State lines.

The reason I would like you to let the Wood age for one year, is that as wood decomposes, it needs Nitrogen and will take it where ever it can get it from. This means if you use fresh Mulch near bushes, shrubs, perennials, etc. They could be Nitrogen depleted. Digging in an Organic Nitrogen source could help. Milorganite, sold here in the Mid-West is a great product for that. I noted that you are talking 60 acres, so this may not be an Option for you, cost wise.

Other that that, if you are able turn the Wood Chips every 2 weeks or so, that would also help speed up the process.

I hope this helps, but if I have missed something, and you need an answer to a more specific question on this, feel free to follow-up with another question.


      Greg