Quote:
Originally Posted by BananaNZ
Thanks for the feedback. I've not done a soil test but planning on it. At the moment definitely leaning towards over fertilisation. I think what's happened is rapid growth due to hight N and the some of the other nutrients can't keep up with the rapid growth.
I like mulching too but need to get some more. We've had a low level frost recently and a few bananas are a bit burnt. Will post an update closer to spring when things start growing again.
Yes I meant pin oak. What is problematic with using those mulches?
Thanks for your help
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I want to stress the problematic issues that may arise from the 3 products mentioned assume repeated application over time. Occasional or lite use is not likely to pose any challenges and the benefit to a good layer of mulch likely significantly outweighs any downsides. Also, thoroughly composting the material before application probably negates any harms that could arise from heavy use of fresh material
Cedar (Western Red Cedar and ralated species anyway, don't know about true cedars as they are not really an option for me so haven't studied them) can release acetic acid into the soil which may harm plants. It is a good pest repellent but may also discourage pollinators.
Oak also can acidify the soil and the tannins (I think) in some oak species (don't know about Pin Oak) are allelopathic and may adversely affect growth of sensitive plants
Walnut contains a compound called juglone which is toxic to some plants (I don't know if bananas are sensitive).
Having said that, If all that was available to me was, for example oak, I would still use it and just work it out. Fortunately for me I have many options so don't have to rely on any one thing. And again, this doesn't mean I won't use them, I do in fact use oak leaves from time to time as I do have a good source for them, just not abundantly or exclusively.
Hope that helps