After the Storm: Managing Plant Debris
Composting, shredding, mulching, burning and hauling are ways yard waste can be handled during normal times. Given the enormous amount of plant material down on the ground at this time, post Helene, there is not any single good method to suggest. Below are a few ideas that might help manage the amount of material needing to be addressed.
COMPOSTING
During a “normal” gardening season kitchen scraps, grass clippings, leaves and disease free material from the vegetable garden can be easily composted. Composting utilizes microorganisms like bacteria, fungus and soil insects to break the material down into something that can used to amend soils and potting media.
Active and passive composting are two effective ways depending on your goal and aspirations. Like the names suggest, active composting involves building, mixing and turning to where the material heats up and over time breaks down to about a third the amount and provides a dark, crumbly, earthy smelling soil. The passive method, on the other hand, does not require any activity other that pulling the material together and leaving it be. After a year or so the material should be ready to use.
Compost is an excellent amendment when applied to heavy clay soils to help with water drainage and holding and providing nutrients.
To read more about composting check out the Composting Chapter 2. Composting in the North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook
SHREDDING AND CHIPPING
Branches and twigs and other small diameter woody material can be shredded or chipped and used for walking paths or mulching trees and shrubs. Do not incorporate fresh chips into the soil as an amendment, the decomposition process removes available nitrogen away from growing plants.
A WORD ABOUT MULCH…. Mulch applied 2 – 3 inches helps conserve soil moisture and prevents weeds from growing. Around trees and shrubs, keep mulch 6 inches away from the trunk or main stem of the plant and extend it out to the drip line if possible. Mulching the root zone of large mature trees helps protect shallow and exposed roots. Over mulching can lead to growth of shallow roots which can become damaged by extreme weather conditions, heat and cold, or exposed to pesticides and fertilizers.
HAULING
At this time Asheville City and Buncombe County are working to manage debris pick up following Tropical Storm Helene. Residents are asked to put debris at the right of way, not blocking traffic and sorted into the following categories: Construction and Demolition, Appliances, Electronics, Vegetative Debris, Household Hazardous waste and mud/dirt. Material does not need to be bagged. Protect yourself when handling this material by wearing sturdy shoes, masks, long pants, safety glasses, gloves and masks.
BURNING
Burning is an option that should only be considered when other options are not available.
Although a burn ban has been lifted in Buncombe County, Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency is encouraging residents to not burn but allow the material to be picked up and disposed of with the collection services offered.
Use extreme caution when burning following the guidelines below.
- Use small three feet in diameter and height piles.
- Maintain clearances of 25 feet around burn piles.
- Have a method of extinguishment.
- The area has not reached or is forecasted to reach humidity and wind levels to constitute a burn ban. This information is analyzed daily by the “fire weather forecast” as published by the N.C. Forest Service. Conditions and forecasts are constantly monitored.
Burning household trash, building materials, asphaltic materials, card board, processed wood, and papers is PROHIBITED at any time
Due to certain air quality concerns, burning of leaves, brush and yard waste is only allowed on what they call “burning days” between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. To find out of it is a burning day call (828) 250-6767 or visit www.abairquality.org.
All of the natural material that comes from our gardens and landscapes provides an important resource that if managed well supports soil health and the growth of the plants and animals and insects that depend on them. To be good stewards, even in the face of a devastating weather event, is one way we can contribute to the well-being of our community.
This article is posted in support of and cooperation with the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Center.
https://buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/10/after-the-storm-managing-plant-debris/
This article was written by:
Alison Arnold Extension Agent, Agriculture – Home Horticulture, Extension Master Gardeners
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Center