Since the cherry laurel is poisonous in all parts of the plant, many garden owners are unsure whether the abundant tree cuttings can be composted without any worries. In principle, you can also compost the leaves and the chopped twigs of the laurel cherry without any problems, but you should pay attention to a few points.

Make compost properly

Leaves and garden waste decompose into valuable humus within nine months in a properly constructed compost heap. In order for the composting to proceed undisturbed, the composting material must be composed correctly. It is important to mix soft clippings with coarse material and dry garden waste. Hard clippings such as leaves and twigs of cherry laurel placed in a thick layer rot very slowly. Grass clippings, on the other hand, decompose in the absence of air and begin to rot. If the compost contains too many dry components, it must be additionally moistened so that the composting process can continue.

shred clippings

In order for the hard, leathery leaves and branches of the laurel cherry to decompose quickly, it is important to chop or shred the garden waste. During this activity, you can perceive an intense aroma of bitter almonds, which comes from the glycosides contained in the plant. It is essential to wear gloves when doing this work so that the skin does not come into contact with the toxins. Poisoning is ruled out by pure skin contact, but the glycosides can trigger severe allergies.

What happens to the toxins contained in the plant?

Nature knows no toxins and the microorganisms responsible for composting are easily able to transform the cuttings of the laurel cherry into non-toxic humus. The composting process completely biodegrades the toxins in the cherry laurel. The glycosides contained in the plant are no longer detectable in the rotted compost soil. You can also apply the mature compost soil to vegetable beds without any worries.

Aids that speed up the composting process

So that the hard leaves of the cherry laurel rot better, it is advisable to use compost starter. The addition of mineral additives is also advisable. Can be used:

  • Finely ground stone flour. These promote crumb formation.
  • Calcareous products that neutralize the tannic acids contained in the cherry laurel.
  • Lime increases the pH value of the compost and promotes rapid decomposition.

tips and tricks

You can also use the chopped tree cuttings mixed with bark mulch to mulch the hedge. The slow-rotting plant matter not only keeps the soil warm and weed-free, but also serves to improve the soil.

Category:

Trees