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ash from burnt old fencing

• Message 1. 

  Posted by StaffordshireMags (U1624415) on Friday, 17th February 2012

  Can I use this on my borders? Someone gave me a box of bonfire ash where old fence panels have been burnt. I've seived out the big bits and nails! I know there's not much goodness in it but now I have got it is it SAFE to use around non-ericacious areas and where I will grow runner beans? Many thanks, Maggie

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Tee Gee (U10012255) on Friday, 17th February 2012

  The following extract might answer your question;
  
  
  Wood Ash;
  
  
  
  Wood ash from a bonfire or wood burning stove is a useful soil improver.
  
  
  The type of wood burned can have different results; e.g.
  
  
  Ash from untreated wood has a slight liming action and can be used to raise soil pH.
  
  
  Ash produced from young sappy growth contains potassium and traces of other nutrients.
  
  
  On the other hand; older mature wood tends to contain lower concentrations of nutrients.
  
  
  The actual nutrient content of ash varies so precise application is difficult, listed below are a few suggestions;
  
  
  Where ash contains large particles, it is probably best to dig this in to improve the structure of the soil.
  
  
  Adding finer ash to the compost heap / bin in thin layers will allow it to blend with other materials.
  
  
  Alternatively; rake the fine ash into the surface of the soil if you are sure of its content.(see note below)
  
  
  Note In the event that some unknown product with toxic properties may have been burned along with the wood, it is probably safer to allow ash to ‘weather’ in a heap for a few weeks, before spreading it around growing plants.

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• Message 3

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by marinelilium (U8293024) on Friday, 17th February 2012

  Hi Mags!
  
  When i moved here my chimney sweep advised me never to burn treated wood or add it to my compost. I do use wood ash in my compost heap but only from hardwood logs.
  
  He had seen the donated 'firewood' Neighbours had 'kindly' and anonymously piled on my driveway before we moved in (which was all treated fencing and which I then had to pay LA to remove) I couldn't even open the garage door until it was removed.
  
  I would have happily burnt the mound of railings and spread the arsenic, copper and goodness knows what else in my compost. Chimney sweeps are lucky charms!
  
  MLx

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• Message 4

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by marinelilium (U8293024) on Friday, 17th February 2012

  Hi Mags!
  
  Good advice there. Old fence panels may have been treated.
  
  When i moved here my chimney sweep advised me never to burn treated wood or add it to my compost. I do use wood ash in my compost heap but only from hardwood logs.
  
  He had seen the donated 'firewood' Neighbours had 'kindly' and anonymously piled on my driveway before we moved in (which was all treated fencing and which I then had to pay LA to remove) I couldn't even open the garage door until it was removed.
  
  I would have happily burnt the mound of railings and spread the arsenic, copper and goodness knows what else in my compost. Chimney sweeps are lucky charms!
  
  MLx

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• Message 5

  , in reply to message 3.

  Posted by StaffordshireMags (U1624415) on Saturday, 18th February 2012

  Thats what I wondered. I think I will take your Sweeps advice and not use it. Thanks everyone. Maggie

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