Losing the battle of the weeds

[Two_Sheds]

bury them under layers of paper and cover them with bark mulch.

That's what I'd do (it's what I do do)

[Two_Sheds]

Is there a type of bark chippings that doesn't contaminate the soil?

why would bark contaminate soil? Trees are made of bark, they grow in soil .... *confuzzled*

[helensusan]

Using bark chippings as a mulch

why would bark contaminate soil? Trees are made of bark, they grow in soil .... *confuzzled*

I was under the impression that if the incorrect type of bark/chips was used, then it can lock up soil nitrogen. Can't remember the source of my info, or indeed whether it related more to composting! Not too sure but would be interested if anyone can help with that one.

[Aberdeenplotter]

that isn't contaminating though nor is it locking up. It's the bark using the nitrogen in the process of composting down.

[helensusan]

that isn't contaminating though nor is it locking up. It's the bark using the nitrogen in the process of composting down.

Understood! Perhaps used the wrong choice of words in "contaminating"

[rustylady]

Understood! Perhaps used the wrong choice of words in "contaminating"

It really doesn't matter if you're just using it as a weed suppressant in borders. Would perhaps matter more if you were using it on veg beds.

[Aberdeenplotter]

^^^^^^^^^^^^ Wot she just said

[Two_Sheds]

I was under the impression that ... bark/chips ...can lock up soil nitrogen.

There's some truth in that, but only if the chips are buried in the soil. They don't rob nitrogen if they're used as a mulch