I have access to as much shredded palette wood as I want. I am going to put in on my paths but was wandering if I could use it as a mulch round plants as well? ???
At least here in Norway, pallets are made of untreated pine which would be fine for use as mulch, however.. they also contain particle board/MDF sort of stuff.. sawdust mixed with resin epoxies which I am not 100% sure about using since I imagine the esters and epoxy resins will not break down readily. (You want a real horror story?... look at the effects of estrogenic non-biodegradable plastics and resins on male fertility)...
I'd say if you can see any clear signs of MDF/Plastic resin glues etc in the wood.. don't use it in your vegetable compost at any rate. Otherwise it should be fine to use... I've heard about wood mulches leeching/binding calcium and nitrogen from the soil while they're degrading, so keep an eye on how your plants are reacting to the mulch, and if they're showing stresses (ie, yellowing leaves especially leaf tips..or paucity of foliage...) then compost the chips first before using them as plant mulch.
Annie in Norway
Thanks for that annie, I think I'll just put it on the paths for now, just keep adding more as it gets trodden down. Should keep the weeds at bay.