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Laying a new lawn - can I mix bark with topsoil?

Last post 06-07-2009 1:36 AM by hydropiper. 1 replies.

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  • 04/07/2009 10:20 PM
    • lsg
    • surrey
    • 04 Jul 2009
    • 1
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    I'm converting a children's barked play area to lawn this week. I've removed the bark and membrane in preparation for the topsoil. Some of the bark I removed is quite fine and I was wondering if I could mix it with the topsoil before laying the turf? Does anyone know if I can do this? It seems a shame not to reuse the finer bark in some way... Many thanks.
  • 06/07/2009 01:36 AM
    In reply to
    • hydropiper
    • Cardiff
    • 23 Jun 2009
    • 60
    Top 75 Contributor
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    So long as the bark looks as if it's composted (i.e. broken down), then it's fine to incorporate into topsoil before laying turf, and may even benefit the turf. However, if there are any chunks or pieces of bark still left in the mix I would NOT incorporate it into the topsoil as this will lead to denitrification (loss of nitrogen) in the soil, and subsequent yellowing of the turf you lay on top of it.

    Chris