What is the difference between bark and chippings?
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences: Wood Chippings: These are small chips of wood, offering a more durable and natural aesthetic. They tend to be slightly lighter in colour compared to bark chippings. Bark Chippings: Chopped pieces of bark, they provide a softer feel and a darker visual appeal. The two products can be used for many similar things, but there are a few differences. Wood chip is rather more durable than bark chippings, which are generally softer, smaller, and rot down faster, however bark can be more attractive. So where you want a more lasting effect, go for wood chip.Mulch is used in the retention of moisture in the soil, to supress weeds and regulate soil temperature, while bark does essentially the same thing but is usually chosen for its aesthetic appeal. Meanwhile, bark particle sizes range from fine shreds to large nuggets.Some studies have concluded that bark mulch indeed attracts certain insects, particularly termites and beetles. The cellulose content and moisture retention properties of bark mulch are believed to contribute to this attractiveness.Appearance: fine or medium bark gives your beds a neat, professional finish. wood chip mulch can look rustic and uneven. Longevity: bark decomposes more slowly, so you don’t have to replace it as often.
How much decorative bark do I need?
Bark is usually sold by volume in litres or cubic meters (m3) so it is relatively easy to calculate how much you need to fill an area. All you have to do is measure the length, width and depth of the area (preferably in meters) and multiply the three figures together to give you the volume in cubic meteres or m3. Approximate coverage per 100 litres = 4m² on a 2.
What’s the difference between play bark and decorative bark?
For Decoration: Choose decorative bark or pine bark nuggets to enhance the visual appeal of your garden. For Soil Health: Composted bark or wood chips work best to improve soil structure and fertility. For Safety: Play bark is the safest option for play areas and pathways where children are present. There are a few names for the chunkier bark which contains more rounded pieces, such as Play -grade, Ornamental, Decorative Bark, or Bark Nuggets. They have similar uses as a general bark or wood chip, such as on pathways or as a mulch, but where ‘play grade’ is mentioned they can also be used as a play safety surface.