Spring Compost Giveaway
Help your lawn and garden grow with FREE community compost. The Spring compost giveaway will be held:
- Thursday, March 20 (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Friday, March 21 (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Saturday, March 22 (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
This year’s compost giveaway will take place at the City’s Wood Recovery and Composting Facility, located at 1420 E. 11th St. (east of 11th and Haskell). Residents may load their own or have it loaded by tractor into pickups or small trailers. Dump truck quantities are not allowed.
What is Compost?
Compost is a dark, crumbly material similar to the top layer of high-quality soil. Lawrence community compost is made from the weekly collection of residential yard trimmings, including grass, leaves, garden prunings, and small woody waste.
Benefits of Compost
Compost is ideal for improving lawn and garden soils. It adds nutrients, organic matter, and builds soil structure. Organic ompost loosens soil for better root penetration, improves soil capacity to hold water and helps soil resist erosion.
Vegetable and Flower Gardens
It is recommended that compost be applied at a rate of 50 to 100 pounds per 100 square feet of garden each year. It is best to do this just prior to tillage–either in the spring or fall.
Trees and Shrubs
When planting, blend enough compost into backfill soil so the mix is about 25% compost.
Water well, then top with an inch or two of compost. For established shrubs, work compost into the soil, then mulch.
Lawns
For new lawns, incorporate compost liberally before planting seed or sod. If soil is made of
clay, use at least 2 inches of compost mixed thoroughly to a depth of 4-6 inches. To renovate old, patchy lawns, work in compost to about 2 inches in patchy spots. Sow seed after watering.
A thin top dressing of compost may be added to lawns each year to provide nutrients.
Potted Plants
Incorporate compost into potting soil so the mix is about 25% compost. Houseplants benefit from a 1 inch topdressing of compost twice a year.
For more information, please contact the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division at 832-3030 or visit: www.LawrenceRecycles.org.
Frequenly Asked Questions
How can I share an idea to improve city services?
Your input can help us to improve city services, just fill out our online feedback form at lawrenceks.gov/feedback.
How do I report a pothole?
Report a pothole location on the pothole reporting line: 832-3456 or fill out our online report form at: www.lawrencepublicworks.org.
How do I report a street light that is out?
The city pays Westar Energy to maintain street lights and make necessary repairs. You can reach Westar Energy at (800) 383-1183.
How can I learn more about city government and its programs?
There are three convenient ways to stay informed about your city:
1. Visit our webpage at lawrenceks.gov
2. Visit cable TV channel 25
3. Sign up for email updates, and news releases at: lawrenceks.gov/subscriptions.
