Q: I have an unlimited supply of horse manure. Can I use this as mulch/fertilizer around my bushes and trees without hurting them?

A: If the manure has been composted long enough that it doesn’t smell like ammonia and the shavings are indistinguishable, you can put a one inch layer under all of your shrubs and trees. This will attract earthworms to the spot and they will soften and enrich the soil for you. Composted manure can also be tilled into your vegetable garden before planting each spring.

ADDITIONAL NOTE:  Make absolutely sure the horse manure comes from a farm where herbicides are not used on the pasture. Weedkillers, particularly Grazon, can linger in manure and harm plants.