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["del stubbs" <pinewoodel@hotmail.com>]

> We cut our field 2-3x per year.  Fescue, vetch and clover.  Dry it then put
> in rows 3-4 feet high and as wide.  After 1-2 years, breaks down very well.

Thanks for the 2 warnings so far about keeping  it away from the trunk.
Because of  the used window screen wrapping each tree now has, I can go 
ahead and use mulches  without worrying so much about voles.
The mention above about drying the hay  first brings up an important point 
about composting that I am not clear on. My thinking says that any plant 
matter will rot much more readily (and perhaps with a lot more nutrition?) 
if it does not lose its origional juices..... if it goes strainght into 
decomposing from fresh cut rather than dried?
It's good to hear  this is working for you in 1 to 2 years. I was concerned 
that the hay might just mat down and not decompose for many years.   My 
'hay' is mix of timothy quack and and various weeds.   thanks, Del

Del Stubbs  www.pinewoodforge.com  ag zone2/3


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