Bark mulch has many advantages and is characterized by a characteristic look. Mulching is based on nature, where there are no uncovered soils. Natural vegetation appears within a short time in open areas.
What is bark mulch used for?
Bark mulch is used in gardens as a path covering, soil protection, soil improvement and weed suppression. It provides a springy base, prevents soil erosion, promotes humus formation and inhibits the growth of unwanted herbs. Coarse grit and regular renewal improve effectiveness.
Bark mulch is suitable for this:
- Path surface: ideal cover for useful areas in the garden
- Soil protection: as protection against environmental factors
- Soil improvement: for long-term supply of nutrients to the soil
- Weed suppression: prevents germination and growth of herbs and grasses
Road surface
In play areas and garden paths, bark mulch provides a soft and springy base. This makes the substrate interesting as fall protection in playgrounds or under play equipment in the garden. A coarse grain size of 40 to 80 millimeters is suitable for this purpose, as such pieces of bark have a high spring effect and decompose slowly. They do not get stuck in the profiles of shoe soles. Replace the floor covering over the years as the rotting components become more slippery and thinner.
Soil protection
In the bed, bark mulch proves to be an optimal cover and prevents soil erosion and excessive water loss due to strong sunlight. It is sufficient if you spread a five to seven centimeter thick layer on the substrate. Make sure the grain is coarse so that oxygen can circulate. Ventilation plays an important role in subsequent rotting. For beds, it is recommended to use pieces of bark between one and four centimeters in size.
Not suitable for all plants
If roses, Mediterranean plants such as lavender or rockery plants grow in your garden, you should not use the mulching material. Young plants do not cope well with the excessive nitrogen consumption in the soil, while newly planted ground cover plants such as Cotoneaster or lime-loving species cannot tolerate the environment created by bark mulch.
Soil improvement
The pulp is broken down into humus by microorganisms, with the speed depending on the grain size. The substrate is therefore suitable for surfaces that require improvement in the long term. Make sure to add horn meal (€6.00 on Amazon) or similar products to the soil before mulching. The soil organisms utilize large amounts of nitrogen during their activity, which can lead to deficiency symptoms.
Tip
Unfortunately, snails feel particularly comfortable between the loose and coarse-pored floor covering, because there is an even and moist microclimate here. Therefore, you have to pay attention to good snail protection.
Weed suppression
On a mulched surface, light germinators have no chance of starting the germination process. Dark germs have a small advantage because they don't mind the lack of light. These can be easily pulled out of the loose substrate. The thicker the mulch layer, the lower the incidence of such weeds. At the same time, the tannins contained inhibit the growth of these unwanted weeds. For an optimal result, you must clear the ground of groundweed, couch grass and other herbs before mulching and then loosen it well.
