The more closely these factors are monitored and manipulated, the faster decomposition can occur, and the sooner you'll have rich compost for fertilizing plants and amending soil. Your landscape maintenance professional will be grateful for an opportunity to avoid costly tipping fees at the landfill, too. Proper moisture is necessary for microorganisms to compost the material. Covering the pile helps retain moisture and prevents the pile from getting too soggy when it rains. You should not be able to squeeze water from the material produced at the bottom of the pile.
Heat is important in composting, so a sunny location is better than a shady one.
Combining different materials, such as grass clippings and leaves, in the pile can help achieve the right proportions of carbon and nitrogen for effective composting. Always bury kitchen waste in the pile to discourage pests and to prevent odor from rotting fruit and vegetables. Generally, for fastest composting, the pile should be turned with a pitchfork or stirred on a weekly basis in warm weather. Stabbing the pile with a length of pipe or rake handle can help with aeration and mixing. Never place meat, animal fat or dairy products in the compost pile.