Safety of potential animal waste in decomposing leaves

Williamsburg, VA(Zone 7b)

My neighbor has a great pile of decomposed leaves (looks like soil now) that he's offered me for my veggie beds. The leaf pile has been there for 3-4 years, he says. It looks great, but he also has a dog and I don't know if he picks up after it or leaves it in the yard (where the leaves originated). Should I worry about any dog poop that may have been inadvertantly raked up with the leaves?
Thanks for any advice!

Peoria, IL

I wouldn't eat the leaf mold.

How healthy is this guy's dog. Does it wander around eating road kill or is it farily confined and kept to a processed food diet?

And as long as you practice proper hygene, as far as washing your hands and washing your fruits and veggies before you eat them, then I probably would not worry about it.

However, its a matter of your own personal comfort level.

Lumberton, TX(Zone 8b)

You can find more detailed discussions in the soil and composting forum. I wouldn't worry about it myself.

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
BACK TO TOP