The city of Richmond Hill has arranged for compost to be available for Richmond Hill residents free of charge.  This organic material was collected by CH2M Hill by way of the weekly yard waste collection process. 

Compost is one of nature's best mulches and soil amendments, and you can use it instead of commercial fertilizers.  Using compost improves soil structure, texture, aeration and increases the soil's water-holding capacity.  Compost loosens clay soils and helps sandy soils retain water.  Adding compost improves soil fertility and stimulates healthy root development in plants.  The organic matter provided in compost provides food for microorganisms, which keeps the soil in a healthy, balanced condition.

Most gardeners have long understood the value of this rich, dark, earthy material in improving the soil and creating a healthful environment for plants. 

Compost is the ultimate garden fertilizer and serves primarily as a soil conditioner.  It contains virtually all the nutrients a living plant needs and delivers them in a slow-release manner over a period of years.  A garden soil blended with compost is better able to hold air and water, drains more efficiently, and contains a nutrient reserve that plants can draw on.  The soil also tends to produce plants with fewer insect and disease problems. 

Fall is the best time to apply the compost, although an application in early spring is almost as effective.

·        Garden beds:  One inch thick

·        New lawn:  2 to 3" layer of compost is best when planting.  Once established, a ¼ to ½" layer yearly will maintain the quality of the soil.

·        Existing lawn:  Top-dressed with a ½" layer of compost every year or two

·        Trees and shrubs:  ½" to 1" layer of compost on the bare soil under the tree as far as the drip line.  Then cover with a 2-3" layer of some other kind of organic mulch, such as chopped leaves or pine needles.

·        Plantings:  Perennial and annuals also benefit from compost at planting time.

Compost is available for pick-up daily during regular park hours of operation 7 a.m.-7 p.m.  Residents requiring a bag may pick one up at the park office.  Residents are required to self-load the compost.  Contact the park @ 756-2317 with any questions.