How to Neutralize the Odor of Rotten Plant Material

Brown matter such as wood chips or dried leaves cuts down on odors from rotting plants.


The odors from rotten or decaying plant matter can range from mildly to overwhelmingly unpleasant under certain circumstances. Composted or piled grass from mowed lawns is known for being particularly smelly. An abundance of moisture or nitrogen and improper aeration produces "anaerobic," or "without air," conditions, which can create a smell like sulfur or rotten eggs. Varying the plant content within the pile of decaying matter, as well as turning it to introduce air into the pile, produces "aerobic," or aerated, conditions, greatly reducing the stench.


Examine the rotten plant matter to determine potential causes of odor -- the materials may be too wet or compacted into a heavy mass. If kept in a wet area, rake the materials into a dryer, sunnier location.


Fluff the decaying matter with a garden rake or pitchfork. If the area contains purely "green," or "nitrogen-rich" matter such as fresh lawn clippings or vegetable scraps, add "brown," or "carbon-rich" material such as dried leaves, sawdust or wood shavings.


Aerate the decaying plant matter every few days or as needed by combing through it and flipping some of it over with a garden rake.

Things You Will Need

  • Pitchfork or garden rake
  • Dry leaves
  • Brown plant matter
  • Corrugated cardboard (optional)


  • A lack of oxygen is generally the cause of odor in a pile of rotting plant matter. Aeration helps greatly, as will layering "greens" and "browns."
  • If composting, layers of corrugated cardboard and shredded, crumbled newspaper can be used as part of the "brown" matter.
  • Turning, or mixing, the compost pile or heap of decaying matter helps it break down more quickly.
  • If the cause of the odor is one large pile of similar matter, such as a large pile of grass clippings, rake it out over a larger area. Thinning it out eases the compacted conditions partially responsible for odor.
  • A layer of dried straw or dead leaves atop a smelly pile of plant matter can help cut down on odors and aids the decomposition process.

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