Woodchips from chipped or shredded tree, shrub and hedge prunings make a useful mulching material in the garden. They decompose slowly making them long-lived, reducing the need for re-application. They also make an excellent protective layer, moderating soil conditions by absorbing moisture and slowly releasing it back. As with other mulches they help suppress weeds and protect the soil from erosion, capping and compaction by wind and rain .
In addition, woodchips make good mulch that improve soil, conserve soil moisture and aid biodiversity, supporting many fungi, insects and other invertebrates . They can also act as a natural weed barrier, reducing the need for herbicides. As woodchip decomposes, it adds organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and fertility. Woodchip helps retain soil moisture, reducing the frequency of irrigation.
Alternatively woodchip is also perfect for child friendly play areas or in a forest school setting.
We recently provided woodchip for a local Horsell Nursery for the children to enjoy a new forest school area to explore.
