Dave Agnor

A local (and free) source of fertilizer where I live is chicken manure from commercial operations outside town. Should I be concerned about the diet of the chickens and how they were raised? I know some people have concerns about pharmaceuticals in human manure, which makes me question if antibiotics and hormones are of any concern after composting. I even wonder about pesticides on the grain if they are fed cheap grain.

Has anyone else thought about this? Is there a sound answer?

Thanks!

I'm planting a privacy fedge soon. I'm looking for species of trees that, when combined, will form a hedge/fedge with the following characteristics:

For Zone 8:
Evergreen to provide year round screening
6-8 feet tall
Thick and Narrow... either through weaving techniques or naturally. This is going along a low decorative wood beam / chain link fence.
Attractive to HOA Neighbors
Productive with any kind of fruits, leaves or medicinally
Appealing to senses... fragrant and flowery
Non-thorny for pain free pruning

Additionally, the quicker this thing comes to function as a screen the faster I can begin to tear up the lawn without hurting anyone's refined suburban sensibilities.

Would love to hear any advice!

Dave