Should I add this 'stuff' to my soil?

Bendy_House

Hi all.

I've recently collected a good number of barrow-loads of nice-looking topsoil from a nearby house that was having an extension built. It looks like great stuff, really dark, fine and crumbly, and the guy confirmed it was good soil, but suggested adding some compost to it too.

It's going to go in a raised bank which will have shrubs and small trees in it. I've dumped the last couple of lawn clippings on top of the pile of soil, and intend to mix it in. I also have a few large 'logs' - more like trunks - which I had sitting around looking pretty, and have discovered they are completely rotted right through - very crumbly.

So, Q is, is mixing in - ooh - 10% grass clippings, and the crumbled-down bits of rotted tree a good idea? When planting, I'll also be adding in 'blood/bone' fertiliser.

Thanks

twopenny

I'd go for just the straight soil. It sounds good stuff and trees, shrubs like that.
Grass clippings can make a nasty slimy mess/dry out uselessly and the rotted wood may have bugs that are looking for a new home in your trees and shrubs.
Both should be composted at a high heat first.
Wait and see what the soil is like. I found tomato growbags lighten soil well if needed. Apply as a top dressing and let the worms do the work.  They're cheaper than compost. The really cheap stuff we've discussed and is useless, waste of money.
There is debate about feeding new woody plants but I do. Just the once on planting and not in direct contact with the roots. Sprinkle around the top and water in.
Are you planning on planting soon or in the autumn?

Bendy_House

Thanks 2'penny. That's good stuff (unlike wot I was going to add)

Planting soon. That ok?

theoretica

I would definitely add the crumbled rotten wood.  See eg:

https://flourishingplants.com/using-rotted-wood-as-soil-amendment/

Bendy_House

Can you two sort it out and let me know?!  

Woolsery

Using rotten wood to augment soil is the principle behind hugelkultur. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hügelkultur

You will note there's an amount of controversy surrounding this technique, so responses here are appropriate.

As the owner of light, sandy soil I can see potential benefits, but as a regular planter of trees and shrubs, I know that with friability comes the potential to fall over or even leap out of the ground altogether in high winds. In other words, there's a balance to be struck and slower growth of things that aren't vegetables has some merit too.

How's that for sitting on the fence?

justwhat

what about chicken litter or horse manure (you dont say when you are intending to plant.) We have around 200kg of well rotted chicken manure that is getting dug into raised beds at end off year.

Bendy_House

Planting soon, jw.

I have rotting, crumbly logs, and I don't have manure, hence the Q

Just thinking it would add 'body', water retention, nutrients, keep it more aerated? 

Bendy_House

Woolsery said:

Using rotten wood to augment soil is the principle behind hugelkultur. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hügelkultur

You will note there's an amount of controversy surrounding this technique, so responses here are appropriate.

As the owner of light, sandy soil I can see potential benefits, but as a regular planter of trees and shrubs, I know that with friability comes the potential to fall over or even leap out of the ground altogether in high winds. In other words, there's a balance to be struck and slower growth of things that aren't vegetables has some merit too.

How's that for sitting on the fence?

That barb must certainly smart a bit :-)

Ooh, just read that Wiki - that's an extreme version. Mine will be a small fraction, and will be crunched up and mixed in. I'm going for it...

Cheers!

justwhat

Bendy_House said:

Planting soon, jw.

I have rotting, crumbly logs, and I don't have manure, hence the Q

Just thinking it would add 'body', water retention, nutrients, keep it more aerated? 

horse manure is often free ....chicken manure is a little harder to get. Chicken manure is best in my opinion. You need to make sure its well rotted

theoretica

Just seen you intend to plant soon - fine if you are getting plants in pots and not disturbing the roots. Be prepared to water a fair bit. Trees/shrubs that have been dug up from growing in fields (root balled or bare root) shouldn't be available this time of year - and can be cheaper.