Walnut tree leaves as compost.

[Khandro]

I'm up to my a.... in walnut tree leaves and I have been told that they should not be used for compost as they are toxic, is this a fact please?

[Outtheway]

I wouldn't assume they're toxic, however they are quite thick, waxy and leathery so will take a long time to decompose.

[sherrardk]

Off on a tangent but does a walnut tree look like a 'conker' tree from a distance?

[jomifl]

Walnut leaves are not toxic, they are used in making 'vin de noix' around here. If you don't want to risk composting them try putting them in plastic sacks and leave them for a year and you will get excellent leaf mould. Alternatively let the wind blow them away when they get dry (if ever).

[jomifl]

Sherrard.. more rounded than a conker tree, leaves are normal leaf shape, not like a conker at all and not waxy. About 150mm long with prominent paired veins all the way along the midrib.

[thugulike]

I have a large walnut tree and was looking on wikipedia this week to see how to use the drupes and noticed that they stated some varieties of walnut leaves and roots are toxic. My tree's quite old and I've never had any problems though.

[jomifl]

The common walnut (Juglans regia)does not appear to have any toxicity problems, The black walnut(Juglans nigra) a native of north america has toxicity problems with its sawdust which has herbicidal properties and can be toxic to horses when incorporated into stable bedding. The toxins are absorbed by the horses hooves apparently.

[jomifl]

Black walnut toxin will break down in about 2 weeks in a composter and 2 months in the soil.