Hey guys, I was digging up the yard the other day and found a piece of asphalt under the soil.
Must have been buried there or at least 10-20 years, covered in roots. It’s still solid or at least it didn’t break under a hammer.
I’m thinking of trying to use it as a slab but not sure if it would be safe for the tree.
Any thoughts?
asphalt is a heavy weight hydrocarbon product mixed with aggregate. Think about it. wear and tear on roadways is mostly physical. the material does not dissolve. even adding acidic fertilizers probably won’t have much impact on it. you should be fine. never seen anyone use it though. make sure it holds together with the plant and soil weight.
If an asphalt bonsai slab hits for you, shure…
Hmmm, just my humble educated opinion on asphalt… not meaning to ruffle feathers…
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Hay Google! Are petroleum hydrocarbons detrimental to plant growth?
“Yes, petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) are highly detrimental to plant growth, acting as significant phytotoxins that inhibit germination, stunt root and shoot development, and can lead to plant death. They alter soil structure—reducing oxygen and nutrient availability—while directly damaging plant cells, metabolism, and photosynthesis.”
Some asphalt hazardous residues may leech out under certain conditions.
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Thanx Google…
I would avoid it for plants…
I would break it up and dispose of it. Or, re-bury the chunk 6 feet down, just not in your food garden.
Here, our garbage is sent through an incinerator, straight to my down-wind air; not a good idea… My property sits on a local drinking water aquifier… hoping it doesn’t leach, not a safe place for that… Sophy’s Choice scenario…
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Locally, we are dealing with firefighting foam residue (PFOAs) in drinking water. Nasty stuff, even at 5 ppT ! Gotta love corporatocracy’s greediness… Does anyone under 50 remember Agent Orange? Or, leaded gas? Lovely stuff! They all bioaccumulate.
Similar reason I avoid treated wood boxes. Heavy metals accumulation. Redwood or ceader!
However…. Do your own thing.
Bonsai On!
KurtP.
Yeah, Agent orange…the dropped that all over N. Korea during the Korean War.