There are various factors that influence the amount of mulch substrate required. The layer thickness that is to be applied is important. It differs depending on the type of area and the vegetation. Garden waste saves money.
On beds and borders, 5 cm of mulch is enough
ideal thickness
The mulch layer can be between four and ten centimeters thick. The thinner the cover, the less protection against the emergence of weeds. In order to suppress such weeds, they should not be less than seven centimeters thick. The type of area and plants growing in the bed also play a role.
Orientation values:
- Grasses, ground covers and perennials: four to five centimeters
- Tree discs, shrubs and hedges: five to eight centimeters
- garden paths and play areas: ten centimeters
Combine mulch layer and fleece
If you cover beds with a weed fleece (€21.70) before spreading, you can save costs. They suppress the growth of light and dark germs, allowing you to reduce the amount of bark shredding by half. A disadvantage is the demarcation between soil and substrate layer, which restricts the microorganisms living in the soil.
Calculation of the amount
According to general recommendations, ten liters of bark mulch per centimeter of mulch layer per square meter is recommended. A seven centimeter thick pad requires 70 liters. For this you have to reckon with costs of ten to 20 cents per liter. If you opt for the variant with garden fleece and a three centimeter thick cover, the amount is reduced to 30 liters and the costs for the mulch material are reduced by more than half.
tips
To calculate the amount of mulch substrate required in liters, multiply the area in square meters by the desired layer thickness in centimeters and the number ten. It represents the number of liters required per centimeter of mulch layer.
How much does bark mulch weigh?
The substrate is a natural product, the weight of which is influenced by various factors. Not only the type of bark plays a role, but also the composition of the end product and its moisture content. A sack of wet material weighs more than dried bark. Wood chips absorb less moisture than porous pieces of bark. Small sized mulch weighs differently than the same volume of larger sized mulch material. Because of these highly variable weight differences, it is common for garden centers to offer bark mulch by the liter.
Alternatives to bark mulch
Garden waste offers an alternative to purchased mulch materials, which are free and close the nutrient cycle in the garden. The classic variant for a mulch cover is compost, which is not fully mature and has a high proportion of coarse components. Autumn leaves from healthy trees and bushes, as well as cuttings from grass or hedges, provide an ideal mulch substrate. The crushed stalks of Chinese reed are popular. If you are looking for ecological ground covers, focus on ground cover and native wild herbs.