Trees and other plants growing into compost

A problem that I’ve run into is tree roots growing up into my compost and other plants (nightshades, Virginia creeper) growing into it from the side. The tree roots make it difficult to turn or move the pile. The other plants are more manageable, but I don’t want to encourage them either.

One issue is that my pile probably is carbon heavy and cold. I’ve been able to push parts of it up to 100° F when I’ve added grass clippings.

I’m on a suburban lot, and don’t have any other great spots to put this. One experiment I’m running is putting a tarp under a pile. It’s got a little slope, so I’m hopeful that water is running off and keeping things aerobic.

I do not see this as much of a problem, and actually its likely a solution to how even excellent compost lacks photosynthesized sugars and the biota that cycle these into the food web, providing the essential and ideal energy source for all the organisms making every other nutrient/mineral more available to plants. Some cutting edge high end composters are even adding plants to their finishing/aging piles to get these living plant associated biota into their compost.

I would bet the tree is making that compost even better for similar trees, or those evolved for later in the successional process. Weeds are making it better for those plants that succeed them (grasses, shrubs, veggies). Legumes are breeding Nitrogen fixers.

It helps to use the BEAM/Johnson Su Method because I do not have to turn it. I put these amidst the garden or in future bed sites, and the plants and trees around them are far and away the healthiest I have.

The problem is the solution! This is my favorite way to compost. Cold piles are nutrient bombs and hungry trees, vines, and plants will take advantage of it if you don’t. Replace the nightshade with cherry tomatoes. Replace the Virginia creeper with passionflower.
If you are worried about aeration, stick a pole in the middle and wiggle a hole open. I use a drill auger to open up holes periodically.
Ants, worms, and black soldier flies find the pile eventually and the also do a lot of turning and aeration.
Happy composting