My neighbor does woodworking and is putting shavings all around his shrubs?

Question

Isn't he inviting termites?

Answer 1

Not a really good idea unless your neighbour supplements it with a nitrogen additive.



If fresh sawdust or wood shavings are put onto the compost heap or directly onto the soil, it leaches nitrogen from the soil and the plants. Sawdust is very high in carbon and the bacteria which digest it require nitrogen to do so. If sawdust is added to the compost heap, extra nitrogen must also be added in the form of animal manures. Manure from poultry and any herbivore can be added to the heap, manure from humans, pigs, cats and dogs should be avoided as it contains parasites which survive the composting process.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I'll go for the mulch. Raw wood will rob the soil, where it comes in contact, of nitrogen, as it naturally breaks down, like compost, but that may be of no concern. It might just look good. Sprinkling a bit of high nitrogen fertilizer before it goes down could give a nice look and not starve the plant.



Termites are everywhere. I wouldn't worry about their proximity to the house, as it should have a termite program, depending upon where you live. I read soewhere that if the earth did not have termites, its surface would have a layer of cellulose materials 100 feet thick.



Termites here in AZ are so bad that if you put a cardboard box on the ground with sommething in it to make good contact with the soil, the bottom will be gone in 6 months. Cattail prunings on the ground are covered in mud and gone in less time.



I'm no entomologyst, but the termites here have to be out of the light - hence the mud tubes and close contact with the box. Termites in your area



Good Luck!

Answer 4

Maybe? I haven't personally known anyone with a termite problem in my life and I am almost 65.



I suppose if termites are a problem in your area. Carpenter ants are a bigger problem where we live.



I do know that a lot of folks living in Northern New England put anything from sawdust to leaves to wood chips around the base of their old old homes to keep them warmer in the winter, but comes spring they clean it all away. Those houses have been there for many decades. Since they only do this for the colder months, perhaps termites are not a concern then.

Answer 5

If termites are common in your area, yes any wood in contact with the ground can become termite attractant.



In areas where termites are not common, wood shavings are used to make the soil acid for certain acid loving plants like Evergreen trees and shrubs. It is also commonly used for appearance to keep weeds down and cover the bare ground.

Answer 6

It would seem he was likely attempting to 'compost'



As for whether it's 'inviting termites' .. Ish wouldn't think so



If you're especially concerned or curious, ask the neighbor



"Hi, I noticed you put the shavings from your wood working around your beautiful shrubbery. I'd always heard that wood shavings would attract Termites, and so I was afraid to leave them around mine."



Then wait for his reaction.

Answer 7

Where I live formosan termites are a big problem and yes wood shavings would be a feast for them. However, they are also attracted to store- bought mulch and paper.

Answer 8

I've been told it will absorb nitrogen from the soil as it decomposes, so he might end up with some yellow leaves on his shrubs for awhile. If using sawdust as mulch, it's a good idea to sprinkle some fertilizer.

Answer 9

no he not .he keeping his shrubs from freszing .

Answer 10

hm it really depends, but whatever he is doing isn't a good thing!

Answer 11

its not wise to put sawdust around your house because it can attract termites unless it is cedar sawdust

Answer 12

he is using it for mulch.

Answer 13

he is inviting termites i think so.