I cannot think of any reason why oak shavings will not work as mulch on the surface of the ground.

Of course, if you wanted to mix them down into the soil as a soil amendment, you'd have to add extra nitrogen to make up for the nitrogen they were using up as they decomposed. That's not an issue if they are on the soil surface though.

My theory is that any healthy organic matter is great for mulch or for the compost pile either one.

Eventually the wood shavings will decompose and further enrich the soil as compost, so it is a win-win situation for you and your soil. What's not to like about that?

Dawn, Thanks, that is the same way I was thinking. I seem to remember a post several month ago that had something negative about Oak leaves or Oak shavings, but I could not remember what it was.

I have been getting shredded Oak leaves for about 4 years, but this is the first time I have had a chance to get shavings. I plan on stocking up on both.

The guys I an getting this stuff from are older than I am and they may not be here forever.

Larry

It is best to let them age before you use them as mulch. or the rob nuetrients like Nitrogen out of the soil. Red Oak will decompose quicker than white oak. some people let mulch age 4 years in the business.

Thanks, wantonamara. I will keep an eye on the trees and add Nitrogen if they look needy.

I would love to have some red oak, but I try to get all free organic matter I can. I will pile these up til next summer, and then start using as needed.