Thuja or tree of life is highly poisonous. That's why many gardeners ask themselves whether they can put hedge trimmings in the compost. The answer is clear: Thuja is allowed to rot in the compost if the cuttings are he althy and free of pest infestation.
Is thuja poisonous in the compost?
Prunings from thuja hedges can be safely disposed of in the compost. The essential oils that make the plant poisonous decompose as it rots. However, mix the leftovers with other materials such as lawn clippings and leaves to avoid humus that is too acidic.
Putting thuja in the compost is safe
The essential oils that make the tree of life so poisonous decompose when they rot in the compost. It is therefore safe to put cuttings in the compost.
But you should mix Thuja residues with other materials such as grass clippings and leaves. Otherwise, the resulting humus will be too acidic and is not suitable for all purposes in the garden.
To protect children and animals, cover the hedge trimmings slightly.
Tip
When you chop up the remains of the thuja, you should wear respiratory protection (€19.00 on Amazon). The tiny particles released during crushing can cause problems when inhaled.
