When cutting the thuja hedge, there are a lot of cutting residues. Then the question arises, what to do with the shrub pruning? Since the tree of life is highly poisonous, many gardeners do not dare to chop up the remains. However, there is no danger from chopping if you pay attention to a few things.

Wear gloves when chopping thuja

Are you allowed to chop thuja?

The question can be answered with an unequivocal yes. You can chop a tree of life, even if the tree is highly poisonous. There is only a strong risk of poisoning if you eat parts of the thuja.

However, you should note that some people have an allergic reaction when they inhale the smallest particles of Thuja. The escape of these particles cannot be avoided during chopping.

Therefore, chop on a windless day so that the particles are not carried away so far. Wear a mask over your mouth and nose to protect your airways.

  • Only chop healthy thuja
  • choose a windless day
  • wear respiratory protection
  • Put leftovers in the compost
  • or use as a mulch layer

Put thuja leftovers in the compost

You can also put the chopped remains of the Thuja hedge on the compost without hesitation. There, the essential oils decompose without posing any danger to humans or animals.

It is good practice to mix thuja waste with other compost materials. Humus exclusively from thuja is very acidic and not suitable for some plants.

To be on the safe side, you should cover thuja compost so that children or animals cannot get at it.

Use chopped thuja as a mulch layer

The chopped residues of the tree of life can also be used very well as a mulch cover for the thuja hedge. Just sprinkle them under the hedge.

In this way you supply the tree of life with important nutrients and avoid over-fertilization with mineral fertilizers. In addition, the weeds under the hedge can be kept away so well.

Only shred and compost healthy trees of life

If the thuja is sick with fungi or infested with pests, you must not chop it or put it on the compost. Chopping them up spreads fungal spores even further in the garden and infects other plants.

Diseased tree of life remains belong in the household waste and not in the garden!

tips

What applies to chopping the thuja also applies to burning the trimmings of a thuja hedge. There is no danger from the toxins. However, please observe the municipal regulations for the burning of garden waste.

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