Bark Chippings
(2 Products)Bark chippings deliver a smart finish, practical benefits, and minimal upkeep - all from a material that would otherwise go to waste. These chippings excel in practical applications: they suppress weeds by blocking sunlight, retain soil moisture during dry periods, and enhance soil health as they decompose.
What are Bark Chippings?
Bark chippings are coarse fragments of bark produced during debarking and sawmilling. The bulk of UK supply comes from pine and spruce, though larch, Douglas-fir, and cedar are also common.
Once chipped, the material is screened to remove fines and grouped into grades (fine, medium, play, path, and landscape). Most product is then windrow-aged for several weeks to mellow resins and stabilise colour before bagging or bulk dispatch.
In the context of bark chippings, windrow-aging means the bark is stacked in these elongated rows outdoors and left to weather for a set period (often several weeks).
Applications
- Shrub and Perennial Beds: A medium grade gives a tidy, uniform finish while cutting down routine weeding.
- Paths: Landscape grade settles into a firm, slightly springy surface that drains freely and blends with natural settings.
- Play Areas: Certified play bark delivers a soft landing and drains faster than sand or rubber crumb.
- Tree Rings and Hedge Lines: A simple mulch collar keeps strimmer damage and grass competition to a minimum.
- Slopes or Banks: Bark’s rough texture interlocks on gentle gradients, helping to check soil creep and surface run-off.
- Temporary Cover for Dormant Plots: A quick, economical way to “park” an empty border for a season until a planting plan is finalised.
Benefits
- Effective Weed Control: A mulch layer blocks sunlight, stifling most annual weeds and cutting routine hand-weeding to a minimum.
- Moisture Retention: The mulch slows evaporation, so beds and borders stay damp longer between watering cycles.
- Temperature Moderation: Bark acts like insulation; roots stay warmer through winter frosts and cooler during summer heatwaves.
- Soil Enrichment Over Time: As the chips break down, they add organic matter, improving soil structure and boosting microbial activity.
- Erosion Resistance: The rough texture reduces surface runoff on slopes or in heavy rain, helping keep soil in place.
- Soft, Natural Surface: A deeper layer provides a forgiving, non-slip footing for garden paths or children’s play areas.
- Low-Maintenance Finish: Once installed, bark chippings need only an occasional rake and a top-up every couple of seasons.
- Cost-Effective Coverage: Supplied in bulk, they cover large areas economically compared with paving or decorative stone.
- Visual Appeal: The warm, earthy tone sets off planting schemes and ties hard and soft landscaping together.
- Sustainable: Most products are a by-product of sawmilling and can be composted or recycled back into the soil at the end of their service life.
Maintenance & Lifecycle
- Inspection: Quick visual check each spring for thin or bare spots.
- Top-Up: Add 15-20 mm every 18-24 months to maintain full coverage.
- Fungal Growth: Mushrooms or harmless moulds may appear. Rake to aerate if the surface feels slimy.
- Disposal/Renewal: Spent bark can be dug in as a soil conditioner or composted with green waste.
Health & Safety Notes
- Wear gloves; dry chips can be abrasive.
- Dust masks are advisable when tipping large loads in dry weather.
- Rake-off work on slopes: use footwear with good grip to avoid slips.
Frequently Asked Bark Chippings Questions
Can Bark Chippings Benefit My Soil?
Absolutely! Over time, as the bark decomposes, it can enrich the soil with organic matter and nutrients. Additionally, the chippings aid in moisture retention, ensuring that the soil remains moist for longer, benefiting plant roots.
How Often Do I Need To Replace or Replenish Bark Chippings?
Depending on the environment and foot traffic, bark chippings might need replenishing every 1-3 years. They naturally break down over time, integrating with the soil.
Are Bark Chippings Suitable For All Plants?
Bark chippings are versatile and can be used around most plants. However, it's crucial to ensure that the type and depth of bark applied are suitable for the specific plants in your garden.
Some plants may prefer a finer mulch or different organic material.
Can I Use Bark Chippings in Children's Play Areas?
Yes, bark chippings can provide a cushioned, natural surface for play areas. However, it's advisable to use specifically designed play bark, which is often softer and free from sharp pieces, ensuring children's safety.
How Deep Should I Lay The Bark Chippings for Weed Suppression?
For effective weed control, a depth of 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) is generally recommended. This creates a sufficiently dense layer to suppress weed growth.
Do Bark Chippings Attract Pests?
While bark chippings can deter certain pests, like slugs or snails, they might sometimes provide a habitat for others, like woodlice.
Regularly checking and turning the bark can help in reducing any potential pest issues.
