If bark mulch is used correctly, the substrate can optimally develop its positive effects. Hobby gardeners often make mistakes when spreading and do not pay attention to the recommended height information. Different usable areas require different amounts of mulch material.
Paths should be mulched sufficiently thick
This is how bark chips work
Bark mulch has positive effects, provided the layer thickness is right. The thinner you apply the substrate, the lower the protective effects. If you spread too much material in the bed, there is a risk of excessive mold growth. Mold growth is normal, but can be controlled with the right approach.
Benefits of a mulch cover:
- reduces evaporation because the sun's rays do not hit the ground directly
- protects the substrate from intense rainfall that favors silting
- prevents soil particles from being eroded by strong winds
- inhibits the development of flying seeds
weed suppression
Weed seeds that spread with the wind germinate in contact with the ground and in optimal microclimatic conditions. A sufficiently thick layer of mulch prevents the fine seeds from reaching the ground. Some seeds still manage to sprout and penetrate with their roots to the substrate. The little plants do not have a firm hold in the layer of chaff and can be plucked out without any effort. In this way, mulching makes gardening easier for you.
The correct layer thickness
A layer of mulch can be between four and ten centimeters thick. If you keep values of five to seven centimeters, you ensure optimal protection against unwanted weeds. However, the layer thickness differs depending on the location and the selected plants.
paths and seats
Coarse pieces of pine bark are ideal for attaching usable areas. This offers the advantage that the subsurface dries quickly and can be walked on again quickly after rainy days. The soft properties create a pleasant feeling when walking with or without shoes. Bark mulch has a decorative effect in this area of application and creates a variety of accents. A 4-inch layer of mulch is recommended on pathways and under seating areas.
playgrounds
The springy effect of coarse-grained mulch substrates also proves to be positive on playing surfaces. The loose material has a fall-absorbing effect under climbing frames and swings and therefore ensures more safety. The fast-drying properties ensure non-slip play, with the large pieces of bark not getting stuck in the sole profiles. In order to take full advantage of the positive effects, you should keep a layer thickness of ten centimeters.
garden decoration
A thin layer of bark mulch under perennial borders or rose hedges makes the environment appear tidier and more structured. The bottom of beds with grasses, perennials and ground cover is usually covered with four to five centimeters of bark chips. With this layer thickness, complete suppression of weeds is not guaranteed, but their growth is reduced by about 80 percent compared to open soil. For tree discs, hedges and shrubs, the recommended layer height is five to eight centimetres.