Perfect for retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and regulating the soil temperature, wood chips are fantastic to use as mulch in landscaping. Compared to other materials, they're also quite affordable, making them perfect for aspiring gardeners. However, because wood is a natural material, there's a bit more work and maintenance involved aside from figuring out the aesthetics. If you’re planning to use them around your property, here are a few things you need to know.

Preparing & Using Wood Chips for Home Landscaping

Garden Beds

Aside from the benefits listed above, wood chips are a smart addition to any garden bed, whether they’re raised or in-ground. They can treat the soil as they decompose and provide nutrients to the plants.

A layer of about 2 to 3 inches will suffice; you can use a little more for larger and taller plants. Make sure to keep the chips at least 2 inches away from the base of the plants; this gives them breathing room and allows the roots to absorb water directly.

Paths

If you aren’t planning to have turf grass, you can use wood chips for paths or ground covering. Just like with garden beds, the first thing to do is clear the area of any weeds or grass. Next, lay a weed suppressant material over the soil. Landscaping fabric is easy to use, but you can also use plain cardboard or newspaper if you prefer something organic. Either way, avoid plastic sheeting; not only will it increase the chances of fungi growth, but it also does nothing to amend the soil. As you spread out your material, anchor it down with a thin layer of soil. Once it’s secure, lay about 3 to 4 inches of chips on the surface.

Maintenance

Over time, things like foot traffic and rain can compact the wood chips. Aerate them with a rake whenever they start to look flat; you may even want to flip them over. After about a year or two, you may want to add a little on top to level it out. However, if you notice any fungi growing, toss those out.

Whether you’re overhauling your entire backyard or just refreshing a few flower beds, contact GI Shavings LLC for fresh, high-quality wood chips. Centrally located to serve South Florida, this Hallandale garden and barn supply company has more than 20 years of experience. Their advanced wood processing equipment is designed to keep their products dry and safe from contaminants. To schedule a delivery, call them today at (754) 300-4684 or visit their website for a list of their authorized distributors.