Tree roots in the compost pile

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elsie Aug 19, 2003

I posted this in the Soil forum and I'm hoping someone will have an idea for me. I am finding a mass of tree roots in my compost pile. It's making very hard to get a pitchfork or shovel into. I have trees on all sides of my yard. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

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trillium_girl Penfield, NY(Zone 6a) Aug 20, 2003

I'm having exactly the same problem. I just snip the roots when I'm turning with a pitchfork. It's a pain. Maybe more frequent turning would help. My compost pile is located between two Norway pines.

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lupinelover Grove City, OH(Zone 6a) Aug 20, 2003

This is the reason I gave up trying to compost. They kept turning into tree-root balls. Sorry, no suggestions on how to avoid it, except to compost only inside containers.

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elsie Aug 20, 2003

I thought I was the only one. I have a compost container but it has not bottom. I couldn't even move it because large tree roots came through the holes in the sides - like they were holding it down. I was thinking of putting the pile in an old kiddie pool. If I put a few holes in the bottom for drainage - do you think this would work?

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raisedbedbob Walkerton, VA(Zone 7a) Aug 20, 2003

Have you considered putting a layer of landscaping cloth down? I don't know how effective it is a resisting tree roots; but it will provide uniform drainage.

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elsie Aug 20, 2003

I know I used landscape cloth under my tomato bed and the roots came right through it. But maybe it would slow it down.

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