DALLAS MORNING NEWS – FEBRUARY 5, 2019

Tree Trimmings for Mulch and Compost

The City of Dallas is apparently looking at changing rules on bulk trash pickup, because the volume of throw-aways has gotten too large and too costly. I have an idea that will help solve the problem and help homeowners. Not the first time I’ve talked about this concept, but there’s now another reason to consider my advice.  

The city should not pick up and haul leaves, grass clippings and tree trimmings to the landfill at all. Dallas tried a version of this idea some time back but rescinded the rule due to complaints from homeowners and certain landscape and tree care companies. One of the arguments from some homeowners was the trouble and cost of handling the natural material themselves. 

Right now, Dallas residents can put furniture, appliances, tree limbs and more on the curb for monthly bulk trash collection, and the city will pick it up at no extra charge. (Residents pay for the service as part of their monthly water bill.) There is no limit on volume and no separation requirements for bulk trash and recyclable yard waste. Trash and brush are co-mingled.


Tree trimmings left for the city to pick up

But here’s the better plan: The city should not pick up and haul leaves, grass clippings or tree trimmings to the landfill at all. But how should the brush be handled?

The city should pass a new ordinance that states that landscape contractors, tree care companies and other companies dealing with debris from plants must grind the plant material and leave it for the homeowner or haul it to the city mulch/compost site. Never should it be left on the curb in Dallas – or any other city. All at once the city has eliminated a large percentage of the bulk pick-up requirements and related costs.

If the homeowner has a legitimate reason why keeping and handling the material is too costly or has other important negative factors, the city in these cases should accept the organic material to a designated city site where the material can be offered as inexpensive mulch or even compost after being in piles for a time.


Tree trimmings in foreground and compost created nine months later in background 

It makes the best mulch

Shredded tree and shrub trimmings, used immediately after grinding, make an excellent top-dressing mulch material, especially for large areas and even on slopes to solve erosion problems. It is my favorite mulch. After being in a pile for a few months the trimmings become a darker and less coarse material. Some people like that better. After the material has been in piles for 9 to 12 months, it becomes beautiful, high-quality compost. It turns into compost efficiently because of the perfect blend of carbon and nitrogen. The dead and cellulose wood material provides the carbon portion and the nitrogen-rich protein comes from the live leaves, buds, stems and cambium material. Turning the pile a few times will speed up the process but really is not necessary. You just have to wait a while.

You’re welcome.


Tree trimmings naturally becoming composted 
 

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