The Pros and Cons of a Mulch With Attitude
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Overview
For many gardeners, the appeal of coloured bark's vibrant hues have made them a popular decorative aggregate for both indoor and outdoor applications. The good news is that using bark as a decorative mulch does more than just enhance aesthetics, it can play a leading role in improving soil conditions and protecting plant roots, all while serving as an efficient weed suppressor. But, how do they make these colourful chippings, and are they safe?
In this article, we cover all of that and more, including how to most effectively lay them and what to look out for when purchasing them for your project.
Oh, and don't forget to check out our 'Pebble Picker' tool, found in the sidebar or menu. This handy feature enables easy browsing and comparison of diverse decorative aggregates by colour and type.
Key Takeaways
Benefits of Coloured Bark Chippings
Bark has been used for improving the aesthetics and health of gardens long before the advent of coloured mulch. Next we take a look at the benefits of using coloured bark mulch.
So Mulch Colour!
Think of whatever colour tickles your fancy and there will likely be a decorative bark in your colour. From light coloured bark chippings to eye-catching rustic red bark mulch and black bark chips, there are so many options available to you these days, including:
A Superior Type of Mulch
Bark is a superior type of mulch, performing the following tasks required for happy healthy plants, with minimal work:
- 1Weed Suppression: Acts as an effective barrier, reducing weed growth, minimising the need for constant weeding.
- 2Moisture Retention: Chipped bark locks in condensation, helping plants to retain moisture, reducing the frequency of watering and ensuring a more consistent moisture level for plants.
- 3Temperature Regulation: Provides insulation to protect plant roots from direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions, such as the heat in summer and cold in winter.
- 4
Soil Erosion Control: It helps prevent erosion by stabilising the topsoil and reducing the impact of rainfall or wind.
- 5Nutrient Enrichment: As it slowly decomposes, it adds organic matter to the soil, improving its fertility and structure.
There really is no limit, other than your imagination. However, there is an aspect of safety that needs to be covered, especially where food crops, children or pets are likely to come into contact with your bark feature.
Hidden Dangers in Coloured Landscape Mulches?
In the world of landscaping, coloured garden bark and wood mulches are used for their aesthetic qualities, but they can carry hidden risks. The following is a list of important considerations related to the safety of coloured wood chippings and coloured bark mulch:
In summary, the use of recycled wood in coloured landscape mulches risks contamination from chemicals like CCA, under-scoring the importance of verifying the origin of sources or conducting testing to ensure the safety of coloured mulch products, especially around food crops, pets or children.
Importance of Correct Storage
Most landscaping materials, including coloured bark, are susceptible to degradation. That's why it is best to avoid exposing them to garden chemicals which can leech out their vibrant dyes. Thus, storing in a cool and dry place ensures they retain their aesthetic and functional qualities in all weather conditions.
Mulching Flower Beds & Borders
Flower beds usually serve as focal points that draw the eye and attention subconsciously. Keeping them looking their best requires constant maintenance. However, there is a sure fire, easy way to brighten up untidy beds and create low-maintenance landscaping projects, without all of the weeding. Spread bark chippings - it's the perfect backdrop!
Ideal for top dressing beds, flower beds adorned with a layer of coloured bark can be enhanced greatly by the contrast in colour and textures. The layer also acts as a garden mulch, providing all of the aforementioned benefits. Landscaping fabric will add to the longevity of your bed or border.
Lay Weed Barrier Fabric
The most effective way to prevent weeds is to first lay weed barrier landscaping fabric. The best base for conserving vital moisture on your borders, landscaping fabric, can be placed under your decorative bark and directly onto the soil or sub base. Optimal landscaping fabric usage starts with clearing any existing weeds, levelling the soil, and meticulously laying out the fabric to ensure there are no gaps have been laid.
You can get the know-how for achieving a professional finish from our step-by-step guide on how to lay bark chippings.
Bark Delivered
Several online suppliers offer wide ranges of decorative bark, from red bark and mixed conifer through to verve red wood chip mulch, and arranging prompt delivery is just a click away. Although it can be hard to find detailed product specifications, instructions about how to achieve even coverage depth are usually on the packaging.
Summary
Coloured bark offers great value considering its multipurpose utility in gardens and wide range of colours. However, wherever you have plans to use them around food crops, pets or children, factors including the source of recycled wood and contamination risks requires attention in order to verify source origins to ensure the safety. Clear labelling regarding the origins should be demanded of suppliers, but at this point, they do not seem to be a regulated requirement.
FAQs
Is coloured play bark safe?
Yes, coloured play bark is safe, as long as the product is certified, and therefore meets the BS EN 1176 standards for child safety. The dyes used for coloured mulch in the UK are non-toxic, so there shouldn't be any problems.
Can you get coloured bark?
Yes, search for 'coloured mulch uk', and you will find coloured bark is available in a spectrum of shades.
Is decorative bark safe for dogs?
Most decorative barks are pet-friendly, but it's always best to inspect the product details to ensure there are no harmful additives.
Will bark chippings stop weeds?
Bark chippings will stop weeds best if you also lay landscaping fabric, by obstructing sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating.
How much will 100 Litres of bark cover?
Typically, a 100-litre bag covers 1-2 square meters, varying with the desired application depth.
What are the disadvantages of bark chippings?
Over time, bark chippings may decompose, necessitating occasional replenishment. They retain moisture and might also attract certain insects if not treated or stored properly.
What is eco bark mulch?
Eco bark mulch is a generic name that is often used for both traditional bark and rubber bark mulch. The name does not give much of a clue to the environmentally friendly nature of the material.
Are red wood chips a good mulch?
Certainly. Red wood chips are both visually appealing and functional, adept at moisture retention and weed suppression.
