My husband is clearing a few acres and using a woodchipper to manage the clearing....we are plagued with Buckthorn and Prickly Ash and he also encounters Manitoba Maples which need cutting down. Can these woodchips be used in my flower and shrub beds in any way? The piles have been through a winter and are wet in the middle....should I be worried about mould?
Mold is normal and the chips may be used but you can leave a small gap around each plant to allow air to dry the stems. If the chips decay rapidly enough they can temporarily tie up available nitrogen causing yellowing of the plants. If that occurs a liquid foliar fertilizer can be applied as needed.
Thanks so much....it is satisfying to know that the thorns that rip our skin and pierce our tires can be usefu!!
