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A. Leaves of pecan and live oak trees are acceptable to use in gardens and as a mulch. I have been hearing misinformed people give reasons not to use pecan leaves.

Most indicate these leaves put too much acid into the soil. This reason is WRONG. Jan 29, A. Pecan leaves contain tannic acid, and this fact has perhaps prompted rumors that the leaves will damage growing plants and should not be used as a mulch or in compost.

When this acid Estimated Reading Time: 1 min. Dec 23, But you can use the leaves to mulch beds. Experts say that when the tannic acid they contain reacts with alkaline soil, a neutral organic salt, calcium tannate, is formed. This is not bushfalling.barted Reading Time: 40 secs. A: This is a gardening myth that should be put to rest. While needles and leaves from all trees may be acidic initially, they do no acidify the soil as they break down. Soil has a natural ability to buffer changes in pH.

Since oak leaves are somewhat large, chop them up before using them.

Soil acidity might increase slightly for a few weeks after leaves fall but the acidity will go away after a few months. Oak tree leaves initially break down and become more alkaline. However, the continued use of oak tree leaves makes soil become more acidic over time. Since oak leaves are somewhat large, chop them. Nov 18, Kentucky bluegrass is the best choice for lawns near or around the tree. So, the answer to, “Are pecan trees toxic?” is no, not really.

There is no evidence that the minimal amount of juglone affects surrounding plants. It also has no impact when composting and makes excellent mulch due to its easily crushed leaves that are slow to decompose. Oct 09, The leaves contain an acid which will enter the soil when the leaves decompose. This acid doesn’t hurt the pecan tree, but discourages or kills certain other plants growing near it.

This is a. May 13, Likewise, people ask, are pecan leaves good for mulch?

How do you make soil less acidic?

Pecan leaves get a bad rap too, for containing too much acid. It is true they contain tannic acid, but just as with pine needles they won't harm soil or plants. Pecan leaves are good sources of organic matter and should be used as mulch or compost. How long does it take for leaves to compost? 6 to 12 months. Oct 30, Acidity of Oak Leaves. When an oak leaf first falls from a tree, the pH of the leaf is acidic.

Freshly fallen oak leaves have a pH between anddepending on the cultivar. Oak leaves added to the soil in their freshly fallen state lower the pH of the soil - somewhat.

Unfortunately, the addition of oak leaves is not as effective as.