rhododendrons compost

[gwyneth beattie]

we are clearing a garden of rhodies and would like to know if there are any problems with shreading and composting them?

[Adam Cheeseman]

Well for starters they contain a form of cyanide. In short, if you are thinking of using it as a mulch on your garden, forget it. Apart from taking ages to break down it will effectively kill off your plants. Ever wondered why nothing grows underneath them?

Well done for getting rid of them though.

Cheers,

Adam

ps: have a look-see here - Rhododendron ponticum, its effects on habitats and biodiversity in the U.K.

[Bub-les]

Well for starters they contain a form of cyanide. In short, if you are thinking of using it as a mulch on your garden, forget it. Apart from taking ages to break down it will effectively kill off your plants.

In that case do not dispose of them in any recycling system as you could cause problems for others.
Barbara

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by gwyneth beattie

we are clearing a garden of rhodies and would like to know if there are any problems with shreading and composting them?

Shreading and composting should not be a problem so long as you allow sufficient time for processing. Some rhododendron species, notably the pest species ponticum do have high levels of phenols and diterpenes, and these will inhibit bacterial activity to some extent.

If you have a large quantity of material it's probably best to compost it separately and allow at least twelve months for breakdown to occur. Having turned into a compost material there is unlikely to be a high level of toxity - in any event the chemicals are primarily toxic to animals and not plants. Although there may be some competive herbicide distrubuted by the living plant, thoroughly composted material should not be a problem.

Do wear respiratory protection when shredding.

CM