[Sunflower]

Hello all,

There's a good deal at the moment in b&q on chipped bark - 4 large bags for the price of 3. The thing is that I've heard a lot of conflicting views on chipped bark and I'd like to get an idea of what ye think....
Does it attract or shelter vermin/snails/etc over winter? We have trees in the garden, will the leaves that fall create too much groundcover on top of the bark? Do I need to remove it in Spring - or indeed is spring a better time to use it given the fact that it adds moisture to the soil, something we're sure to get loads of this winter?

I think it looks great when used in a border but I'm just not sure if I really need it - any help or advice appreciated.

Sunflower

[Geranimojess]

Hi Sunflower.1st forget about the 4 for 3 offer,if you have access to a Car Trailer drop down to your local Council recycling Depot and fill up the Trailer with the best of Bark for 12-15Euro(we have one in Sligo). 2nd you dont have to remove the Bark nature gradually decays the Bark back into the Ground then you just Top it up again.3rd Yes you will get the odd Slug and others who will hide under the Bark but no more or less than hiding under fallen leaves
In general Bark does tidy up a Bed and occasional light raking keeps it looking fresh,the next question is "Do you or Dont you" the decision is yours.
Hope that answers your questions.
Dave.

[Protein]

Michael might want to substantiate this, but rotting bark mulch lowers the nitrogen levels.... otherwise there are many benefits to using bark mulch.

[michael brenock]

if the question was addressed to me then I can say that tree bark uses up quite a lot of Nitrogen in the rotting down process. This can be an advantage where there is surplus Nitrogen in the soil and plants are growing too vigorously. Tree bark does carry the risk of having pests in it that may harm the stems of trees and shrubs. But on balance tree bark is worth using and is attractive as a weed suppressant.
michael brenock horticultural advisor(retired)