Arborist drop of holly leaves

I don't know if I have messed up. I managed to get an arborist to drop some mulch and a few logs on my driveway, but rather than some lovely woodchip, it's mostly shredded leaves. I don't mind, as it will make for some great compost, hopefully. My main concern is that it's mostly holly. I did actually specify that I only wanted loads with no spiky material, as I have kids who are intolerant to shoes at home (if you know what I mean), and I like to garden without gloves when possible. Will the holly leaves render all that mulch unusable? I had hoped to use it to make a new lasagne bed and mulch under some berries. How long before the spikes break down?

Holly leaves break down slower than most but they do break down, and the spines soften up as they decompose. If you compost them in a hot pile for a few months they'll be fine. For direct mulching I'd be cautious with barefoot kids around until it's had at least a season to rot down, the spines can take a surprisingly long time to go soft. Might be worth using it as a thick layer at the back of borders where nobody walks and saving something gentler for the play areas.

Ali Green wrote:I don't know if I have messed up. I managed to get an arborist to drop some mulch and a few logs on my driveway, but rather than some lovely woodchip, it's mostly shredded leaves. I don't mind, as it will make for some great compost, hopefully. My main concern is that it's mostly holly. I did actually specify that I only wanted loads with no spiky material, as I have kids who are intolerant to shoes at home (if you know what I mean), and I like to garden without gloves when possible. Will the holly leaves render all that mulch unusable? I had hoped to use it to make a new lasagne bed and mulch under some berries. How long before the spikes break down?

The holly won't make the mulch unusable. The leaves and spikes will soften as they decompose, although it may take several months to a year depending on conditions. If it's going straight onto beds, just be aware the fresh spikes may still be a nuisance at first.

Ali Green wrote:I don't know if I have messed up. I managed to get an arborist to drop some mulch and a few logs on my driveway, but rather than some lovely woodchip, it's mostly shredded leaves. I don't mind, as it will make for some great compost, hopefully. My main concern is that it's mostly holly. I did actually specify that I only wanted loads with no spiky material, as I have kids who are intolerant to shoes at home (if you know what I mean), and I like to garden without gloves when possible. Will the holly leaves render all that mulch unusable? I had hoped to use it to make a new lasagne bed and mulch under some berries. How long before the spikes break down?

You probably haven’t ruined anything. Holly mulch isn’t unusable it will compost down and become useful organic matter. The main issue is the sharp bits while it’s fresh.

The leaves should lose their prickliness within a few months, especially if kept damp and mixed with other material. Small twigs may take longer (up to a year or more).

For a lasagne bed, it should be absolutely fine. For berry bushes, I’d let it age first or mix it with other mulch, especially if you like gardening barefoot. If the arborist specifically promised no spiky material, it’s also worth mentioning that the load wasn’t what you requested.