QI’m putting down bark chippings in my garden – do I need to put weed matting underneath them?
Lester
AIt depends what you are using the bark for. If it’s to create a pathway in the garden, I would advise using weed blocking membrane to save yourself a headache later on.
Weed membrane is also ideal if you are planting a new border and want to use bark chips as a mulch. Put down the membrane, cut holes to put your plants and mulch over this. Make sure you use a permeable membrane that allows water through to the plants, rather than a plastic one.
However, if you’re putting bark in a rockery or a border that’s already planted, don’t bother with weed membrane. It’s really difficult to cut it around the plants.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
Do you need to replace chipped bark each year and take away the old bark. Ours is beginning to mulch down and weeds are beginning to grow in the mulch even though we have a membrane. If I just add more bark is that ok? thank you.
Is it possible to lay bark chips over artificial grass? Or do I need to removed the grass first? Thank you.
There’s no particular reason not to! You only need to remove it if you are planning on planting in the area.
Me and my husband are elderly and weeding/gardening is now a problem We have only roses and bulbs in our garden. Weeds are a huge problem at the moment due to illness so my question is – do we need to weed before putting bark chippins round the entire garden area?
Weeding first is advisable and will save you a headache later. You might find this article interesting too: https://www.daviddomoney.com/a-quick-guide-to-bark-and-wood-chippings/
Bets of luck!