Bark Mulch
James230
Posts: 8
Can anyone tell me if I need weed fabric down first if I am thinking of mulching with bark chippings, should I kill any existing weeds first? Cheers
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James230
Posts: 8
James230
Posts: 8
James230
Posts: 8
Posts
You should weed thoroughly before putting down bark chippings. Especially if you have nettles, docks, dandelions etc. And no, I would not put down membrane first. Is it on a border or path would want to put it? On a slope?
Do extensive weeding and get rid of everything. Instead of weed membrane, put down layers and layers of newspaper (at least six sheets thick and well overlapping). Spray them with a hosepipe as you go, to help hold it all down. Put your bark chippings down over the newspaper as you go, keeping them at least 4-6 inches thick. That should set you up for a year or so.. if/when weeds start popping through.. rake back the mulch, weed, put down fresh newspaper, spread the old bark on top and add some new so it stays around 4-6 inches thick.
Thanks Blue Onion!
It would be on borders rather than paths, does the mulching effect need attending to every annually?
I mulch every year. The worms work the stuff down into the soil as it breaks down.
If you mulch really deeply you might get away with a second year,but you'll probably find wind blown seed germinating .
Cheers, good to know!