Bark chip paths

Last post 01-07-2012 4:11 AM by watermelon. 3 replies.

• 27/06/2012 09:06 AM

  John Davis Location: South Staffordshire Joined on: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 1

  Reply | Contact I have an allotment plot at the Watery Lane Allotment site in South Staffordshire. The Local Association wanted to dig out the paths, lay a weed suppressant material and then cover and compress wood chippings which can be obtained free from a local tree surgeon service. The local parish council have refused this because they have a member who has stated that this is too risky to local vegetation and trees as disease can be spread by the use of wood chippings. Their only solution is to use crushed stone( limestone I thingk) compressed over the weed suppressant layer. Not only is this more expensive, but a road on the site where this has been carried out consistently wears with pot holes along its length. If this approach was used for paths, I suspect that the same pot hole problem would occur, resulting in potential trip hazards, which could be bad news for the less agile plot holders. I see wood chip being used at many of the show grounds and private grounds that I visit and wonder why it is being used if it has the potential to cause damage and spread disease to local plant and tree life. I would be interested in opinions or advice, especially if it could assist in opening further dialog with the local council.

• 27/06/2012 01:14 PM

  In reply to

  kaydee Location: Perthshire Joined on: 15 Feb 2009 Posts: 257

  Reply | Contact Welcome to the forum John. I've used bark/wood chip paths for years without problem & I have never heard of anyone else having problems either. Doesn't the National Trust use it for this purpose? Not sure what crushed limestone would do to the ph of the surrounding ground. Messy on the soles of your boots too. Be useful to know where the parish council member got his information from - & if he is a gardener! Interesting though. Please will you keep us informed of progress? Opinion does change over time. Best K

• 27/06/2012 05:13 PM	In reply to
  Tim Alderman Location: SE London NW Kent Joined on: 07 Dec 2009 Posts: 159	Reply | Contact Chippings do look good and save cutting grass but provide a slug habitat...........Beware.

• 01/07/2012 04:11 AM	In reply to
  watermelon Location: kent Joined on: 14 May 2012 Posts: 10	Reply | Contact i was under the impression that slugs didnt like the rough surface of the chippings. also chippings with conifer cuttings should deter them so ive heard.