Bark mulch and wood chippings are a common sight amongst gardens, allotments and general landscaping areas and for good reason too. Thanks to its versatility, bark and wood chippings can be used for creating pathways, implementing into flower beds, redesigning borders and much more.
In this guide, we explain what bark mulch is, what it can be used for and when to apply mulch to your garden, allotment or landscaping project.
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What is bark mulch?
Bark mulch and wooding chippings are usually made from the bark of a spruce or pine tree, mixed in with other parts of organic matter. This process is done by shredding and chopping the bark into small pieces (often with an industrial garden shredder), then adding a small part of composted organic matter to create a nutritious and high-quality end product.
Depending on where you get your bark mulch, it will be graded based on its quality such as British Standard Play Fall Material (BSEN1177) and standard garden bark.
Why should I use bark mulch?
The main purpose of bark mulch and wood chippings is to improve the soil structure, control moisture, add nutrients, help suppress weeds and general improvement on the appearance of borders and flower beds.
Bark mulch and wood chipping for garden borders
Bark mulch and wood chippings provide a natural barrier against weeds and unwanted plants, therefore if you’re looking to improve the appearance and health of your garden borders, adding bark mulch or wood chippings will get you the results you desire.
As well as protecting your garden from weeds, bark will also protect plant roots from the scorching sun in the summer months and frost in the winter months.
Bark mulch and wood chipping for pathways
A popular choice for pathways and playgrounds, wood chippings and bark have all the properties you need to create a safe and visually pleasing path or area in your garden. Providing a cheaper alternative to gravel, bricks and other paving solutions, it costs less in the short and long term thanks to its low maintenance nature.
Bark mulch and wood chipping for flower beds and pots
Another way to use bark mulch in the garden is to put it in flower beds and pots. They prevent weeds from emerging and moisture levels up – meaning less watering during the warmer months.
Keep in mind that you should use a drier form of bark mulch as fresh wood chippings will draw out the nitrogen in the soil.
When should I apply bark mulch to my garden?
As with most gardening, applying mulches and wood chipping are best done from mid to late spring and early autumn – this is so that the annual weeds have not yet germinated and herbaceous plants are dormant.
Although this is the best time to carry out projects, it can be done throughout the year but the results won’t immediately appear. To find out how long bark mulch and wood chippings last, see our in-depth guide.
Where can I buy bark mulch?
Based in Hambledon, Hampshire, we can supply bark mulch for all those who are local to the Portsmouth area and further surrounding towns and cities. Alsoils+ have been servicing domestic and trade customers for over 35 years with the highest quality bark mulch, leaving you safe in the knowledge that we can cater for your needs.
Our bark mulches are both high-quality and affordable for all purposes. With their highly versatile and low maintenance nature, they are the ideal solution for a variety of gardening and landscaping needs.
