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When to lay bark chips - before or after planting?

Posted by Lesley Anne Bloomer on January 12, 2020 at 6:57pm

Hi - do you prefer to lay bark over landscape fabric BEFORE planting through the fabric or after? It saves time in laying of the bark but it takes longer to plant through and is there a greater risk of the soil ending up on the surface so resulting in greater weed problems? I've always laid bark after planting but have a client suggesting it's better to do it the other way round. Thoughts? 

 

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  • Billybop January 12, 2020 at 7:42pm

    bark after planting for me. not necessarily after planting the whole area, as one can bark the planted bit from one end as soon as some of the plants are in, if it suits

  • PRO
    Dave Colton January 12, 2020 at 8:36pm

    After for me as it real easy to clear soil from the planting before putting.g down the clippings.

  • PRO
    Gary RK January 12, 2020 at 9:33pm

    We ‘bark’ after planting and plant after laying geotextile using cross slits :)

    You’re the ‘expert’ so don’t let the armchair version dictate what you do.....

    Only extra tip I can give is to keep your geotextile taunt with pegs and use v sharp cutting knife so it doesn’t rip geotextile

    • john newton > Gary RK February 5, 2020 at 8:09pm

      Cross slits as in a x?

  • Oliver clarkson January 13, 2020 at 7:13am

    Like Gary says after planting, cross cuts and keep it tight for ease of cutting and spreading bark.

  • Dan Frazer Gardening January 13, 2020 at 7:54am

    What reason did they give for saying that? 

    Always plant then bark.

  • Lesley Anne Bloomer January 13, 2020 at 10:23pm

    Thanks everyone that is really really helpful. Working on your own makes you question your own practice more than you should sometimes. Thanks for reminders also on taut fabric and sharp knives. Much appreciated! 

  • fraz January 18, 2020 at 10:11am

    bark after planting but without fabric. 

     

    • Gary Ormiston > fraz January 18, 2020 at 10:20am

      Agreed, a mixed soil border with membrane ? 

  • Gary Ormiston January 18, 2020 at 10:19am

    AFTER 

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