Home » Departments » Environmental Services » Texas Pure » Texas Pure Products » Compost

What is Compost? Compost is the humus-rich material that results from the decomposition (decay) of organic material, such as grass clippings, tree and shrub trimmings, food, cardboard, and paper.  Compost contributes nutrients and beneficial life to the soil, improves soil structure and fertility, improves drainage, and helps prevent storm water runoff that can pollute rivers and lakes. The use of compost promotes soil health that is vital to growing beautiful lawns, plants and landscapes.    If You Want Healthy Plants, Start With Healthy Soil! Healthy soil provides the foundation for growing healthy plants and landscapes.  You can recognize healthy soil by its sweet smell and moist texture.  Healthy soil is rich in organic matter and demonstrates a perfect balance of air, water, minerals, humus, and living organisms. By ensuring healthy soil from the start, you can reduce the amount of money, time and effort required to maintain beautiful landscapes and gardens. Key Benefits Positive impact on the local environment by composting locally sourced yard trimmings and organic material. Improve soil drainage and water retention resulting in better root penetration. Provides an increase in nutrients resulting in the promotion of improved fertility. Reduce or eliminate chemical usage that can pollute ground water. Provides a great deterrent against soil erosion and compaction. WAYS TO USE TEXAS PURE COMPOST Garden and Landscape Beds New landscape beds:  spread a 4 to 6-inch layer of compost on top of the soil and till to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Existing beds:  spread a ½ to 1-inch layer of compost on top of the soil.  If possible, till to a depth of 2 to 4 inches. Trees and Shrubs Apply finished compost at least once a year.  Spread a 1 to 2-inch layer of compost under the tree or shrub, starting about 4 inches from the trunk and extending out to the “drip line”. Potted Plants Compost may be added to potting mix in 1:4 or 1:3 ratios. Lawn Topdressing Topdressing is the beneficial application of a thin layer of compost to the surface of a lawn. Bagged Texas Pure compost is screened to ½ inch and may be used for topdressing.  For a ¼ inch screened compost, use Texas Pure topdressing. Spread a ½ inch layer evenly over your lawn each spring and fall and lightly water in. Application Rates NUMBER OF BAGS NEEDED Coverage Area 1/2 inch depth 1 inch depth 3 inch depth 6 inch depth 12 sq. ft. 1/2 1 3 6 24 sq. ft. 1 2 6 12 48 sq. ft. 2 4 12 24 96 sq. ft. 4 8 24 48 What is a cubic yard? Bagged and Bulk Compost can be purchased at the following locations: CUSTER ROAD FACILITY 9901 Custer Road (at Ridgeview) Plano, TX  75025 (972) 769-4150 Open Monday - Saturday 8:00am - 4:30pm REGIONAL COMPOSTING FACILITY 5304 Highway 545 Melissa, TX 75454 (972) 838-9218 Open 8:00am - 5:00pm Weekdays (ONLY as weather permits.) Directions: US 75 North to Exit 45 (121 North to Bonham) proceed 3 miles. Turn right on to FM 545 at signal light and proceed 3.5 miles. The compost facility is on the right, just before the cattle feed lot.    Quality Control Testing Texas Pure compost is closely monitored to ensure that a high quality product is delivered to the public.  Our composting operation monitors temperature and moisture parameters.  Samples are sent to testing laboratories on a regular basis for analysis of nutrient and organic matter levels, and to ensure the absence of heavy metals and pathogens.  Texas Pure products are sampled and tested as required by the Seal of Testing Assurance Program of the United States Composting Council (USCC).  View compost testing results This compost product has been sampled and tested as required by the Seal of Testing Assurance Program of the United States Composting Council (USCC). Test results are available upon request by calling the City of Plano at (972) 769-4264. The USCC makes no warranties regarding this product or its contents, quality, or suitability for any particular use.