Bark Chippings

Can anyone tell me whether bark chippings can harm soil. I planted a large area of my garden about 3 years ago, covering the surface with bark chippings. This is the only area where plants seem to struggle. A tree surgeon I got in to trim back some trees has told me that the chippings seem to be most pine and that if put on soil too fresh they can be poisonous.

Has anyone heard of this or had soil/growth problems after applying bark chips?

 

Bark chippings should not be applied to the garden until well composted
Too fresh and they can leach out essential nutrients
Maybe this is what has happened to you?

 

Thanks for that - yes sounds very possible. Oh well - I will try some more blood, fish and bone and see if that helps. Any other advice?