Bark mulch protects the soil from drying out and reduces weather-related erosion. At the same time, the material keeps weeds at bay. However, it is important that you pay attention to the size of the bark pieces. This is crucial for the most efficient protection possible.
What grain size should bark mulch have?
The correct grain size of bark mulch depends on the intended use: fine materials (5-20 mm) are suitable for flower boxes and planters, medium grain sizes (10-40 mm) are suitable for flower beds and flower beds, and coarse-grained bark (20-40 mm) is suitable for garden paths. 60 mm) and for playing surfaces the coarsest particles (60-120 mm).
This is what you need to pay attention to
The grain size of the bark mulch has an influence on air circulation. The smaller the grain size, the more limited the soil aeration is and the substrate is waterlogged. At the same time, the effectiveness of bark mulch against weeds is limited. Therefore, do not choose material that is too fine. Products with sizes between 0, 5 and 80 millimeters are available commercially. Speci alty markets offer decorative substrates with pieces of bark up to 120 millimeters in size. A rule of thumb is that the larger the area to be covered, the larger the pieces of mulch should be.
Tips for choosing size
- fine substrates decompose more quickly into humus
- Requirements must be renewed more regularly
- Coarser versions provide more effective and longer-lasting protection
- fresh mulch with a pleasant forest smell decomposes more slowly
- optical preferences influence the choice
Flower boxes and planters
To cover the potting soil in the pot, a fine material with a grain size of between five and 20 millimeters is sufficient. The proportion of foreign substances such as wood particles and branches influences the rate of decomposition. This lasts around nine to ten months, with sieved substrates being converted more quickly.
Beds and flower borders
A medium grain size is recommended for bark mulch on flower beds or smaller areas. This varies between ten and 40 millimeters. The mulch lasts up to 15 months and is suitable for planted outdoor areas and rock gardens. However, you should pay attention to the needs of the plants and use a mineral mulching material if necessary. Few drought-loving species feel comfortable in a layer of bark mulch.
Garden paths
If you want to cover large areas, the area between bushes or garden paths with bark mulch, you need a coarse-grained bark material with a thickness of 20 to 60 millimeters. Such a bed of bark mulch is reminiscent of the natural soil in the forest and exudes a similar smell. It is important that you replace the material approximately every one to two years to maintain a safe and comfortable walking experience.
Tip
You should value quality, because high-quality substrates have been sieved before bottling. In the case of cheap offers, the proportion of fine materials is very high, which promotes waterlogging and limits ventilation. These mulches rot at a faster rate.
Playing areas
The coarsest grain sizes of 60 to 12 millimeters are useful under swings and climbing frames. Such pieces of bark are characterized by soft and springy properties. The particles do not settle in the shoe profiles and the rotting process progresses slowly. This means that material replacement is necessary after 18 months at the earliest and three years at the latest.
