Ash from the burnt trees for the beds?

[KMARKSnr]

Hi all,
          I`m about to burn eight old trees,and will be left with a large amount of ash,- there`s no problems with putting this ash into my beds is there?

             Regards,
                   Mark.

[KMARKSnr]

[Kepouros]

It`s not really a good idea to scatter it willy nilly.  Wood ash, especially from older trees, has a high calcium content, and any quantity will result in a distinct increase in the pH level of your soil, so you should do a pH test before scattering any,

Wood ash from older trees does not have a very high nutrient level, other than potassium which is in a highly soluble form - scattering it in the autumn would result in the potassium leaching out of the soil long before it would be of any use in the spring, although the calcium will still raise the pH level of the soil.

Your best plan is to store the ash under cover and add it in small quantities to your compost heaps, where it will produce a potassium rich compost.  If your pH test assures you that your soil can also stand a bit more calcium, then by all means use it around your plants (particularly brassicas) in the growing season - but again in small quantities.

However, under no circumstances should you use it on either calcifuges or potatoes

[Robert_Brenchley]

You can scatter it around growing plants, but use it carefully.

[cambourne7]

being nosy now but why are you burning them?

Would you not be able to use them as logs to attach wildlife in, chip them, or use them to make raised beds???

[KMARKSnr]

No i`m unable to use logs for my beds,as they are all long since constructed.
         The trees in question are "Leylandi" (spelling ?),and have been cut to 3ft lengths,branches also.
         I have no choice but to burn them as the council tip will only allow me to use my van once per month,- would take an eternity via car/trailer,and cost £100`s in skips  ::)- So i`ve asked will burning ruin my ground ?

                     Thanks for any advice,
                                  Mark.

[Robert_Brenchley]

No, it won't ruin it at all. If you've got any nasty weeds anywhere, a fire over the roots will do them no good at all.

[supersprout]

Lottie neighbours insist on burning their spud and tom haulms ??? the upside, they've been given permission to make their bonnies on the uncovered bits of my new half plot ;D

[froglets]

You could ask around if anyone wants them.  I have a wood burning stove at hoem & OH & I are always on the scrounge for wood.  We have a  proper wood store and have different bays for wood at various levels of seasoning.  Pine doesn't take long to season and has the advantage of being lightweight ( from a trailing up & down the garden in the rain & snow perspective) and gives nice flames.

We are experts in slewing to the side of the road when trees are being cut down & offering to help with disposal of the "rubbish"  ::)

You're nowhere near south Cheshire I take it......

[cambourne7]

yep stick them on freecycle.

Alternative is that you can speak to local scouts who might want it for there bonfire.

[Paulines7]

We got rid of 20 very tall conifers when we moved here.  Fortunately, we had them chopped down in October and they all went to village bonfires for Nov 5th.  We had plenty of takers.   ;D