[willowman]

Another mulch question.

My large privet hedge is overdue for a haircut.
Can I shred the cuttings and use them as mulch, please?

[Zippy]

I would be a bit wary of toxins in privet as it is an evergreen. Probably better to shred and compost it (separately) first and use the composted privet as a mulch.

[solway cropper]

Don't see why not. I put everything through the shredder except weeds and it all ends up either as mulch or compost. I don't think any toxins will affect your plants....they might make you sick if you eat privet.

[willowman]

Thanks for the speedy reply Zippy.

I asked because I've never seen it suggested as a mulch and it seems a shame just to put it all in the council bin.

I may shred it and use to cover the pathways down the garden, or could any toxins leach from there into the veg patch?

[willowman]

I could put it in the compost bins but they are already nearly full, oh the joy (?) of having a large garden.

[aelf]

If there is a lot, I would burn it and spread the ash