Q:ย My lot in Picture Rocks has lots of creosote plants, a couple of which I need to remove for access. I was wondering, since creosote used to be a wood preserver, is it safe to chip up the branches (for me and other plants in the yard) safe to compost and so on?
A:ย Yes, it is safe to use creosote as a mulch or compost. Once any trees and shrubs are chipped for mulch or ground up for compost, they are organic matter like any other plant and will eventually provide a slow release nitrogen source for your garden or landscape.
In the short term, mulch is a good way to moderate temperature extremes in root zones and maintain soil moisture a bit longer than bare soil.
Peter L. Warren is the Forest Health Program Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Questions, photos and videos may be emailed toย tucsongardensage@gmail.com
