Bark chippings, opinions please

I have just put some of these in the top of my tub plants, now I'm having doubts about whether they are good or bad, I'm reading toxins and fungi.......!!

Val

 

I put bark chips down en-masse on the lad's play area. At the edges of his play area there are some plants such as strawberries, a few flowers (can't remember what kind), and some willow and beech hedging. There was also a bamboo there til I moved it a few days ago. Nothing seems to be suffering from it, and indeed there is now grass growing in there this year whereas in previous years it wouldn't because the soil there was too rubbish.

As for fungi, I've seen those yellow ear things a couple of times, but no major outbreaks.

EDIT: Nearly forgot to say, the bark chips have been down for at least 2 years now.

 

I've had bark chippings down in one section of my garden for over five years, and can't say I've seen any harmful effects. I get the odd bit of fungus (mushrooms of some kind) now and then, but that's pretty much it. It does break down after a while, indeed, I've just added some more, so it hasn't lasted too badly

 

I've used bark chippings on my containers for years with no ill effects whatsoever

 

Bark chippings are an excellent mulch to keep weeds down and moisture in, I've never had a problem with them. I have access to smaller chippings (compared to shop bought stuff) from the lake I used to manage and I use them for mulching as mentioned and at the bottom of our sons slide.

As they break down over a couple of years they improve the soil too and then you just add some more on top

 

Thank you all so much I was thinking I would have to go round and take them all off again, thank you for putting my mind at rest!!

Val

 

If it saves you time /effort/watering and looks good ...... What's the problem?

 

I use them as well, the only problem the birds like kicking it onto the lawn and a small increase in slugs , but thats fine once I have mowed the lawn plus the birds eat the slugs.

 

The problem was the 'toxins' and fungi I kept reading about!!

Val

 

Toxins and fungi .... Yes you will probably grow a few mushrooms .......but it's the most natural product you can use. And looks good too