Composting

Composting is an easy way to reduce disposal of waste and create a valuable soil additive. You can recycle the natural nutrients and organic materials in food, leaves, paper, yard and wood waste as they would be in nature.

• Compost can be applied directly around the base of trees and shrubs to serve as a mulch. It also can be worked                                                                                                                                            into the top six to eight inches of the soil to provide increased water retention and valuable nutrients.
• Compost should be placed evenly and should provide 100% soil coverage. No soil should be visible.
  On highly unstable soils, use compost in conjunction with appropriate structural measures. Spread the
  compost uniformly, and then track, or compact, the compost layer using a bulldozer or other
  appropriate equipment. Alternatively, apply compost using a pneumatic, or blower, unit. Project
  compost directly at soil, thereby preventing water from moving between the soil-compost interface.
  Apply compost layer approximately 3 feet beyond the top of the slope or overlap it into existing
  vegetation. Follow by seeding or ornamental planting.
  Where planning immediate grass, wildflower, or legume seeding or ornamental planting, use only a
  well-composted product that contains no substances toxic to plants. Very coarse composts should be
  avoided if the slope is to be landscaped or seeded, as it will make planting and crop establishment
  more difficult. Composts containing fibrous particles that range in size produce a more stable mat.