The wood chips for plants They have become a classic in gardening and are increasingly used as mulch to protect roots from the cold and increase moisture retention.
But are they really as positive as we think? Should we be cautious when using them? Let's clear up these doubts.
Is it a good idea to use wood chips for plants?
Generally speaking, we can say yes. These shavings are an organic material obtained as a result of the shredding of wood, and they have important benefits for our garden:
Humidity preservation
Spread over the substrate, they create a natural barrier that prevents water evaporation, which reduces the need for watering the plants.
It is important to keep this in mind if you use wood chips as mulch, because if you water them too much you can create a problem due to moisture build-up.
Soil temperature control
Wood is a isolating material which can help our plants a lot when the coldest time of the year arrives, as well as in the summer.
Because it insulates the roots from extreme temperatures, so they will be in good condition regardless of whether it is very cold or very hot.
Erosion prevention
Another of its benefits is that it They provide structure to the soil and stabilize it, reducing the risk of it being blown away by wind or water.
This is something that greatly benefits our plants, because it prevents those situations in which the roots are left unprotected by excessive erosion and it takes us a while to realize what is happening.
Weed suppression
Weeds are not only unsightly, they are also a nuisance. competition for nutrients and water for our plants. Therefore, the further away, the better.
Wood chips for plants prevent sunlight from reaching the soil, where weed seeds can remain dormant for a long time. This makes it much more difficult for them to germinate.
Soil enrichment
Being a natural material, the chips decompose over time, releasing nutrients and improving soil fertility.
Aesthetic appearance
Ultimately, these chips have yet another benefit, and that is that they provide a neat and natural finish to the garden.
Can they pose a risk to our plants?
We can use wood chips without any problem, but it is important to choose a quality product and not overuse it.
Because during the decomposition process these chips absorb nitrogen from the soil, which means that there is less of this nutrient available to our plants. Luckily, we can solve this by applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer at the time of adding the chips.
On the other hand, there is insects They are particularly attracted to wood chips, as they find them the perfect habitat. If you want to avoid pests, it is as easy as periodically checking the condition of the chips and making sure there are no insects. dangerous insects living in them.
Another precaution to keep in mind is that wet wood can be quite slippery, so it is not recommended to install it in areas with frequent traffic.
It should also be noted that not all wood is the same. The most suitable are those that have not been treated with chemicals, as they could release toxic substances into the soil.
How to use wood chips for plants?
The best chips are:
- Made of untreated natural wood.
- Medium-sized, which retain moisture better and decompose at a suitable rate. However, if at any time you notice that they are too dry, you can moisten them a little to speed up their decomposition.
To apply the chips follow these steps:
- Clean the area to be treated. Remove any plant debris that may be present.
- Water the soil well to ensure that it is moist when the chips are placed.
- The layer should be between five and seven centimeters thick. If it is too thin, it will not retain moisture properly and will not be useful in controlling weed growth. On the other hand, if it is too thick, it can hinder the passage of water and air into the soil.
- Leave about five centimeters of distance between the chips and the stems of the plants., thus reducing the risk of rot.
- Distributes the chips evenly over the ground, covering the entire surface of the soil.
- Renew the layer of chips every one or two years., depending on the rate of decomposition.
Here are some extra tips:
- If you are going to use the chips to create paths in your garden, make sure you compact them well to prevent them from shifting.
- Do not apply a layer of wood chip mulch around newly transplanted plants, allow a few weeks to allow the roots time to establish themselves.
- Do not use this product directly on vegetables, as it can attract insects harmful to the crop.
- You can use wood chips on fruit trees, but avoid direct contact with the fruit.
Few natural products can boast as many benefits for the garden as wood chips. If you choose a quality product and apply it following the instructions we have seen, you should notice in a very short time that your plants are better cared for.
We encourage you to make the most of this product, which has benefits both at the time of application and in the long term, because it provides nutrients and organic matter to the soil in your garden.
If you have considered using wood chips for your plants and you still haven't decided to take the plunge, now is the time to do so. It is an inexpensive product and easy to find in major gardening establishments. Can you tell us about your experience?