[Bigfatsi]

After researching composting on here and elsewhere on the net, I'm currently building up the material for my first batch of compost. I've got grass cuttings, cardboard and paper shreddings, old rabbit bedding, plenty of food waste and a full bladder 

I have also got about 6 sacks of Leylandii cuttings. Now I've read that they slow down the process and am undecided on whether to stick a few of the smaller 'greeny bits' on. Obviously I'm not going to put the whole lot in (some are branches!) but can I get away with say a bag's worth of the finer stuff? I would like it to be fast n hot!

Cheers in advance.

Simon

[Lardman]

I put some in 2 years ago and they're still identifiable now. I personally don't think that they are worth bothering with.  I now burn mine and scatter the ash, far easier.

[mumofstig]

No they don't rot away
I lay them on my earth paths to stop them being muddy in the winter, that's how indestructable they are 

[Bigfatsi]

Wow that was fast!

I'll not bother then! Cheers!

Simon

[plum crumble]

mum you're a genius! Now I can hatch a cunning plan for that 'orrible thing on my boundary..... (cue sound of maniacal laughter)

[aelf]

I had some to get rid of a while ago so I burnt it on my plot. It made so much smoke that someone called the fire brigade! 

[Flowerpower136]

If you burn it green you will smoke the place out!  But burning is the best thing when the saps dried out.  The only way to compost it is to shred  and mix in with lots of leafy stuff.  Personally I wouldn't bother.  It's the only thing I'd be tempted to take to the tip to be honest.

[Aunt Sally]

It also contains pine resin which wil inhibit growth of other plants.

[Lardman]

It also contains pine resin which wil inhibit growth of other plants.

I never knew that - must get a bucket load or 2 for next doors bind weed 

If you burn it green you will smoke the place out! 

I've never had a problem with it smoking, the stuff goes up like a torch here. Its actually become a sport for the local grublets - setting fire to hedges in peoples front gardens.   

Putting too many clippings on a cold fire at once would smother things and you'd probably end up with smoke, rather than a satisfying sizzle as the green bursts into flames     

[Aunt Sally]

It also contains pine resin which wil inhibit growth of other plants.

I never knew that - must get a bucket load or 2 for next doors bind weed 

    I'm not sure it's quite that good 

[hogwarden]

It also contains pine resin which wil inhibit growth of other plants.

And that pine resin/sap can be quite nasty to those of a certain age (+40 it seems) and suseptibility(allergic). If it gets on your skin with strong sunlight about as it can do unpleasant things to the surface of the skin and ongoing. So beware bare hands, the rolled up sleeves, and face and neck when giving it the trim/chop etc. in case it fights back-true it`s rare--aren`t I the lucky one??? Bottom line -hack it back in dull cloudy weather, better still get your neighbour to do it-it was his anyway
Phytophotodermatitus for those who collect crossword answers!!-cheers   

[mumofstig]

all I know is it makes me itch and sneeze like anything whenever I trim it ............but luckily nothing more than that  :blink:

[Aunt Sally]

Thanks for that information hogwarden.  I will treat the 60ft hedge we have on the allotment with more respect in future 

[Lardman]

And that pine resin/sap can be quite nasty to those of a certain age (+40 it seems) and suseptibility(allergic). ....

It does nasty things to my skin too.

Pardon the picture - but these were my forearms after trimming the hedge this year - even though they were covered, little bits got down my sleeves. I could happily have scratched both my arms off.

At least now I know what it is, rather than just swearing at the trees  

[Flowerpower136]

It also contains pine resin which wil inhibit growth of other plants.

I never knew that - must get a bucket load or 2 for next doors bind weed 

If you burn it green you will smoke the place out! 

I've never had a problem with it smoking, the stuff goes up like a torch here. Its actually become a sport for the local grublets - setting fire to hedges in peoples front gardens.   

Putting too many clippings on a cold fire at once would smother things and you'd probably end up with smoke, rather than a satisfying sizzle as the green bursts into flames     

I know, it's quite spectacular. I burned an old pampas grass, and the adjacent conifer caught.