Shredding privet

[robD]

I have a considerable privet hedge on the border of my allotment. Due to general neglect, it's grown to around 30 foot tall and we're slowly working through cutting it down to the required level. As luck would have it there are some good sticks that can be used for supports next year, but I was wondering if I could shred the rest and use for the paths on my plot. I know it is poisonous and I do have two young children, so would be grateful for any advice here.

Thanks,

Rob

[nick the grief]

Not sure about that one Rob - I guess it would be OK for paths but I suppose yuo are worried about leaching into the soil. You could always burn it & use the ash on your lottie instead.

[robD]

Not sure about that one Rob - I guess it would be OK for paths but I suppose yuo are worried about leaching into the soil. You could always burn it & use the ash on your lottie instead.

No not thought about the leaching into the soil, just thinking about child safety - for once! This months GYO does say the harmful toxins break down during composting, but may be best to go with the bonfire I guess. Ta,

Rob

[Earthbabe]

Hi robD there is a letter about this in the new GYO mag saying it is ok for composting once shredded, so I presume similar would apply.

[PAULW]

One incidence of childhood death was reported due to eating the berries of Ligustrum in the early 1900's. The leaves, bark and berries are purported to have a very bitter taste and large quantities must be ingested (relative to body mass)to cause irritation.

[Alice]

What I know about privet Rob is it roots very easily. If you shred it and put it down for paths, trampled bits might root. I stuck some privet twigs in the ground to mark the line of a path I wanted to make - and they rooted !