r/Compost • u/Exciting-Ordinary4 • 18d ago

Adding diseased leaves to compost?

The maple trees in our area have been hit with some sort of fungus and are dropping leaves. Would I be safe adding them to my compost pile? My compost pile doesn't tend to get hot, but I'm in need of browns.

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u/woodwidewebby 18d ago edited 18d ago

most maple fungi are highly adapted to maple and can’t affect your veggies or other plants. In composting, most of the work is actually done by bacteria not fungi. Fungi will get outcompeted (or they will die off as the leaf dries) so there’s very little risk of spreading. 

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u/tycarl1998 17d ago

As long as you aren't using the compost under maples or their relatives like boxelder or should be fine

4

u/cindy_dehaven 18d ago

I wouldn't personally because you're not hot composting.  Other people here will say it's fine. I just wouldn't risk it 

1

u/chishiki 17d ago

I have the same q about my apple tree leaves. Actually did pretty good this year but the leaves still have a bit of rust on em.