Wood ashes are good if you have acid soil - they will make it more alkaline. Otherwise, I think I would run them through the compost pile first.

How do you test the soil for ph/ acidity etc please!!

There are soil testing kits you can get, but I've never used one. You should be able to find out what kind of soil you have by talking to other gardeners in your region... a knowledgeable person at the local garden supply... a book about gardening that addresses your part of the country. Also, the kinds of weeds or other plants that thrive (or don't) in your soil are a clue, although you have to know how to decode it. For instance, the presence of wild strawberries here in the Southeast US means acid soil and lots of moisture. Blueberries, rhododendrons and azaleas love acid soil. Citrus, if planted in soil that is too alkaline, can't get the minerals it needs and its leaves turn yellow. Also, an area with a lot of pine trees will have acid soil, because the pine needles are acidic.

Every year I have an abundance of cherry blossoms...i'm beginning to wonder if you can have too much and if they are damaging my compost??

Sheld:
Try posting your question on the Compost & Soil forum, you'll get more feedback there.
O