--- title: What Makes Good Compost? description: What Makes Good Compost? image: https://www.cartwrighttree.com/hs-fs/file-2756568169-jpg/blog-files/pasture.jpg --- # What Makes Good Compost? Jun 22, 2012 9:23:52 AM - **Balance.** According to [National Geographic](http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/good-compost-2838.html), good compost contains carbon-rich "browns' (long-dead items like dried leaves) and nitrogen-rich 'greens' (fresh materials like grass clippings). - **Moisture. **Home compost piles whould contain 40 - 60% moisture, according to the [University of Washington.](http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/fundamentals/needs_moisture.htm) - **Aww, manure. **The old tales are true...this stuff works. Plus, it is low-cost.[![compost Kansas Missouri](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/hs-fs/file-2756568169-jpg/blog-files/pasture.jpg?width=225&height=300&name=pasture.jpg)](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/hs-fs/file-2756568169-jpg/blog-files/pasture.jpg) - **Aeration. **Proper aeration helps composting microorganisms grow, according to the [University of Illinois](http://web.extension.illinois.edu/homecompost/methods.html). Aerating a pile can be as simple as turning it with a pitchfork or punching holes. There are also good, more complex mechanisms on the market. - **Avoid. **Try not to use smelly materials that take a while to break down. This includes diary, meat, and bones. Also, avoid non-organic content. And don't have a compost heap too close to [open water or wells](http://www.fcgov.com/recycling/pdf/composting_fest08_02_composting.pdf). Have fun composting, and thanks for helping the environment! -- *For compost advice, as well as tree trimming, pruning, or health care, contact Cartwright Tree Care in Missouri and Kansas. Online at [www.cartwrighttree.com](https://www.cartwrighttree.com) or call 816-965-6758.* -- Image via [sxc](http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1372661) [Tree Healthcare](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/topic/tree-healthcare) ##### Like it? Share it: [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/what-makes-good-compost) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/what-makes-good-compost) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/what-makes-good-compost) ### You may also like [Ignore These Myths for Strong Trees During Fall ](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/ignore-myths-strong-trees-fall) ##### [Ignore These Myths for Strong Trees During Fall](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/ignore-myths-strong-trees-fall) 7 November, 2014 When it comes to tree care and garden care in general, there tends to be a ton of advice out there. Unfortunately, it’s ... [Read this article](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/ignore-myths-strong-trees-fall) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/ignore-myths-strong-trees-fall) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/ignore-myths-strong-trees-fall) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/ignore-myths-strong-trees-fall) [All About the Scots Pine ](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/all-about-the-scots-pine) ##### [All About the Scots Pine](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/all-about-the-scots-pine) 4 October, 2011 If you’ve been following our blog for a while, then you have probably heard us mention the Scots pine a time or two, usu... [Read this article](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/all-about-the-scots-pine) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/all-about-the-scots-pine) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/all-about-the-scots-pine) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/all-about-the-scots-pine) [Why Recycle Your Christmas Tree? ](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/why-recycle-your-christmas-tree) ##### [Why Recycle Your Christmas Tree?](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/why-recycle-your-christmas-tree) 28 December, 2012 [Read this article](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/why-recycle-your-christmas-tree) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/why-recycle-your-christmas-tree) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/why-recycle-your-christmas-tree) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/why-recycle-your-christmas-tree)