Bark mulch has many advantages and is characterized by a characteristic appearance. Mulching is based on nature, where there are no uncovered soils. Natural vegetation appears on open areas within a short period of time.
Bark mulch protects against drying out and reduces weed growth
Bark mulch is suitable for this:
- road surface: ideal cover for utility areas in the garden
- soil protection: as protection against environmental influences
- soil improvement: for the long-term supply of nutrients to the soil
- weed suppression: prevents germination and growth of herbs and grasses
road surface
In play areas and along garden paths, bark mulch provides a soft and springy base. This makes the substrate interesting as fall protection on playgrounds or under play equipment in the garden. A coarse grain size of 40 to 80 millimeters is suitable for this purpose, because such pieces of bark have a high spring effect and decompose slowly. They don't get stuck in the profiles of shoe soles. Renew the floor covering over the years as the decaying components become more slippery and thin.
soil protection
In the bed, bark mulch proves to be the best 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 later rotting. For beds, it is advisable 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 are growing in your garden, you should not use the mulching material. Young plants do not cope well with excessive soil nitrogen consumption, while newly planted ground covers such as cotoneaster or calcareous species do not tolerate the environment created by bark mulch.
soil improvement
The cellulose is broken down by microorganisms into humus, with the speed depending on the granulation. Therefore, the substrate is suitable for substrates that need improvement in the long term. Be sure to provide the soil with horn meal or similar products before mulching. The soil organisms utilize large amounts of nitrogen during their activity, which can lead to deficiency symptoms.
tips
Unfortunately, snails feel particularly comfortable between the loose and coarse-pored floor covering, because there is an even and humid microclimate here. Therefore you have to pay attention to a good protection against snails.
weed suppression
Light germinators have no chance of starting the germination process on a mulched subsoil. Dark germs have a small advantage, since 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 contained tannins inhibit the growth of these undesirable weeds. For best results, you must free the soil of ground elder, couch grass and other herbs before mulching and then loosen it up well.