Composted Wood Chips
We are now supplying composted wood chips of which are delivered in small bulk loads (3 cubic metres approx) and make a great alternative to bark. We have used them for mulching and also for path chips. The ones we have put down are coming into their third season and still look great.
Below is an example of how to construct a wood chipped area. This was a project one of our customers undertook (thank you for letting us use the photos on the website)!
Step 1: Decide On The Area
Mark out your desired area and create a border to contain the wood chips, if you dont do this the wood chips will spread from your designated area. Ideally the border should be 5-6 inches high.
Step 2: Which Membrane To Use
There are many grades of membrane commercial landscapers tentd to use one called mypex however there are many to choose from. We would advise you don't go for one which is too thin as this will quickly degrade. If you are looking for a more green alternative we recently suplied woodchip to a sustainability project who used brown paper and newspaper as a membrane. Newspaper ensures the area remains weed free for a 2 / 3 year period.
Step 3: Preparation Of Site
It is best to weed the area before laying the membrane this will ensure the weeds don't grow through the membrane. If the membrane covering is done well and the woodchip is laid at a good depth (4 inches) light should not reach the surface and so weeds should not germinate or grow. In the case study above the grass was left intact and the membrane simply laid over the lawn. This worked well in this project. Remember to peg down the membrane this prevents chasing round the garden after membrane which has escaped.
Step 4: Planting and Spreading
You can see in the above project they have put down landscaping fabric which is pegged down, they have created borders using half round poles. The fabric can now be cut and any shrbs should be planted. Once the shrubs have been planted the area can now be back filled with woodchips. The woodchips shold be laid at a depth of 100cm (4 inches). You can go for lower depths but the birds love to scratch about on the surface and if it is too shallow the membrane will be exposed (which is not a very attractive feature!).
The final result is a very effective low maintenance garden. The woodchips used in this project cost £75 for 3 cubic metres delivered in the Ashford area (slightly more if you are further away).
Please feel free to call if you want any more informatio on 01233 812631.
