Why are leaves of pecan and live oak trees unacceptable to use in gardens and as a mulch?
A. Leaves of pecan and live oak trees are acceptable to use in gardens and as a mulch. I have been hearing misinformed people give reasons not to use pecan leaves. Most indicate these leaves put too much acid into the soil. This reason is WRONG. First, all organic material produced from an alkaline growing condition is mainly alkaline. Since pecan trees are growing in the area’s alkaline soil types, unfortunately, the decomposition product will be alkaline. Even if this were not true, pure sulfuric acid can be applied to the soils in this area and the soil will neutralize the pure acid without significant alteration. This occurs because area soils are so basic (alkaline) and extremely buffered (resists change). Five pounds of sulfur, the amount recommended for 100 square feet of garden space, releases 15 pounds of pure sulfuric acid. It would take the decomposed remains of several semi-trailer truckloads of leaves, regardless of the type, to produce that much sulfuric acid. Our soils n
