When cutting the thuja hedge, there are a lot of cutting residues. Then the question arises, what to do with the shrub pruning? Since the tree of life is highly poisonous, many gardeners do not dare to chop up the remains. However, there is no danger in chopping if you pay attention to a few things.
Can you chop Thuja hedges?
Thuja hedges can be chopped up without any problems, despite their toxicity. Make sure it is a calm day, wear respiratory protection and only use he althy thuja parts. The chopped remains can be used as compost or mulch.
Are you allowed to chop thuja?
The question can be answered clearly with yes. You can chop up a tree of life, even if the tree is highly poisonous. There is only a strong risk of poisoning if you consume parts of the thuja.
However, you should note that some people have an allergic reaction if they inhale tiny particles of thuja. When chopping, the escape of these particles cannot be avoided.
Therefore, chop on a calm day so that the particles are not carried away as far. Wear protection over your mouth and nose (€19.00 on Amazon) to protect your respiratory system.
- Only chop he althy thuja
- choose a calm day
- Wear respiratory protection
- Put leftovers on the compost heap
- or use as mulch
Put thuja residues on the compost heap
You can put the chopped remains of the thuja hedge into the compost without any worries. The essential oils decompose there without posing a danger to people or animals.
It is recommended to mix thuja waste with other compost materials. Humus made exclusively from Thuja is very acidic and not suitable for some plants.
To be on the safe side, you should cover thuja compost so that children or animals cannot get to it.
Use chopped thuja as mulch
The chopped residue from the tree of life can also be used very well as mulch for the thuja hedge. Simply scatter them under the hedge.
This will provide the tree of life with important nutrients and avoid over-fertilization with mineral fertilizers. It's also easy to keep weeds away from under the hedge.
Chop and compost only he althy trees of life
If the thuja is infected with fungi or pests, you must neither chop it nor put it in the compost. By shredding, fungal spores are spread even further throughout the garden and attack other plants.
Sick tree of life remains belong in the household waste and not in the garden!
Tip
What applies to chopping the thuja also applies to burning the trimmings of a thuja hedge. There is no danger from the toxins. Please note the municipal regulations for burning garden waste.