Title: Digging up the backyard: found more than just dirt
I totally get the paranoia. I’ve been on a few build sites where we used city mulch, and you’d be surprised what turns up—bits of plastic, broken glass, random metal scraps. Once found half a brick in a load that was supposed to be “clean.” Makes you wonder about the source and what’s breaking down in there over time. I’m all for saving money, but sometimes I question if it’s worth risking weird stuff leaching into the soil, especially near anything edible.
That said, I’ve also seen some great results using the “sketchy” mulch just for weed suppression along property lines or under hedges. Maybe it’s just about managing expectations? If you’re not expecting perfection, you won’t be as frustrated when you dig up a mystery object. Still, I wish cities would invest a bit more in screening. It’d save a lot of headaches... and maybe fewer toy dinosaurs popping up in the yard.
Makes you wonder about the source and what’s breaking down in there over time.
This hits home. I was overseeing a small backyard studio build last year, and we brought in what was labeled as “premium” city compost. Ended up pulling out a handful of rusty screws and a chunk of what looked like an old phone case. Not exactly what you want near raised beds.
I get the appeal for weed suppression—honestly, for non-edible zones, it’s probably fine. But I’m with you on the screening. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about long-term soil health. Sometimes I wonder if the cost savings are worth the potential hassle down the line. Maybe it’s just a trade-off: save now, but be ready to dig up some surprises later.
Funny thing is, I’ve found fewer oddities in older, established beds than in new ones with fresh city mulch. Maybe stuff works its way out over time, or maybe I’ve just gotten used to ignoring the occasional Lego head...
Title: Digging Up The Backyard: Found More Than Just Dirt
Yeah, I’ve had similar surprises—once found a melted action figure arm in what was supposed to be “organic” mulch. It’s wild what slips through. I totally agree, screening is worth it, especially if you care about what’s going into the soil. Sometimes I wonder if the city compost folks just have different standards for “premium.” Still, I get tempted by the price every spring...
Had to laugh at the action figure arm—last year I dug up what looked like half a Hot Wheels car in my “premium” topsoil. Guess that’s what you get for trusting the bargain bins. I’ve started running everything through a homemade screen, but it’s a pain when you’re doing a big area. Still, better than pulling out weird plastic bits every time you plant something. Sometimes I think the city compost is just whatever they sweep off the street... but hey, can’t beat the price.
I hear you on the random junk in “premium” soil. I once found a rusty bolt and what looked like a piece of an old phone case. Ended up building a two-layer screen—hardware cloth over a finer mesh. It’s tedious, but honestly, worth it if you want to avoid surprises later. City compost is hit or miss... I’ve had batches that smelled like fresh earth, and others that were basically mulch with bonus plastic.