Mulch

Lockdowngardner

Hi
can you use poplar tree shredded bark as a mulch?  

Lizzie27

Yes, you can but my books say it is better to wait for 6 months/one year before using it as mulch around plants. Not quite sure why. If you want to use it as a mulch for paths, then that's fine straight away.

nick615

Lockdowngardner  You don't enlarge on the purpose you're thinking of using it for?  Apart from the Dutch who use poplar for clogs, it's generally regarded as useless as a timber in the normal sense but, if your intention is merely to stifle weed growth for example, I imagine it would do.

Allotment Boy

In theory,  fresh bark or woodchip will take nitrogen from the soil as it breaks down.  That's why it's often suggested that it be composted first.  Note I  said in theory, there is a large body of opinion that it  is not a significant issue.  Up to you. 

thevictorian

The nitrogen robbing from soil is true but it's only when it's encorporated into the soil, if laid on top or where the roots of the plants aren't, it's fine.

Wood heats up rapidly as it begins to decompose and this is partly why it's best to age it a little first but a thin layer, away from the plant crowns/stems, shouldn't cause any issue. We get free wood chips down our allotment from tree surgeons and most is used straight away, mainly as paths admittedly, without problems.