Wood chip supply

For many homeowners, sourcing wood chip involves more than just a delivery. Professional gardeners ensure the right grade of material is selected for your specific needs—whether that is decorative bark for a front garden, rugged chips for a woodland path, or certified impact-absorbing chips for a children’s play area.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Assessment: Measuring the area to calculate the exact volume (cubic metres) required to achieve the desired depth.
• Material Selection: Advising on the best type of chip (softwood, hardwood, or bark) based on longevity, budget, and aesthetic.
• Access Logistics: Planning the delivery route, checking gate widths, and protecting driveways or lawns with boards if using heavy machinery.
• Surface Preparation: Clearing existing weeds and, if requested, installing a permeable weed membrane before the chip arrives.
• Delivery and Distribution: Receiving the load (loose or in bulk bags) and moving it to the target areas using wheelbarrows or blowers.
• Leveling and Raking: Spreading the material to a consistent depth—typically 50mm to 100mm—to ensure effective weed suppression.
• Site Tidy: Sweeping up stray chips and ensuring the delivery point is left clean and clear.

Typical Costs

Prices for wood chip vary significantly depending on the quality of the material and whether you are buying in bulk or individual bags. Local tree surgeons often provide the cheapest "fresh" chips, while ornamental bark from a nursery carries a premium.

The total cost is largely influenced by access. If a gardener can tip the load directly onto the bed, the labour cost drops significantly compared to "barrowing" material through a narrow terraced house.

How Long Does It Take?

• Delivery Only: 15–30 minutes for a tipper truck or hiab offload.
• Small Garden (Top-up): 2–4 hours for one person to barrow and spread 2–3 cubic metres.
• Large Garden (New Installation): 1–2 full days if significant weeding or membrane installation is required first.
• Commercial/Play Areas: 1–3 days depending on the thickness required for safety standards.

DIY or Professional?

Ordering a bulk bag and spreading it yourself is a common DIY task that requires no specialist skills, just physical stamina. However, for larger volumes (over 2 cubic metres), the sheer weight and mess can be overwhelming for most homeowners.

Hiring a professional gardener ensures the volume calculations are accurate—preventing you from overpaying for excess or being left short. They also have the right equipment to move material quickly and can identify if "fresh" wood chip might harm your specific plants through nitrogen depletion.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check for Waste Carrier Licenses: If they are removing old mulch or soil, they must be legally registered to transport green waste.
• Volume vs Weight: Ensure they quote in cubic metres (volume) rather than tonnes, as wood chip weight varies wildly depending on how wet it is.
• Insurance: Verify they have Public Liability insurance, especially if they are using machinery or working near glass outbuildings.

Ask these 3 questions: 1. Is this chip "seasoned" or fresh from a job? 2. Will the delivery vehicle fit through my gates/driveway? 3. Does the price include the supply of a weed membrane?

UK Regulations

• BS EN 1177: If the chip is for a children’s play area, it must meet this standard for Impact Attenuating Surfacing.
• Waste Regulations: If a gardener brings "arborist chips" directly from a tree felling site, they should ensure the material is free from invasive species like Japanese Knotweed.
• Part P / Utilities: Not usually applicable, but gardeners should check for shallow-buried cables or irrigation lines before raking or digging.

Common Problems

• Nitrogen Deficiency: Fresh, unseasoned wood chip can temporarily "steal" nitrogen from the soil as it breaks down, potentially yellowing your plants.
• Slugs and Snails: Very thick layers of damp wood chip can provide a breeding ground for pests right next to your prized perennials.
• Fungal Growth: In damp UK winters, you may see "Shotgun Fungus" or mushrooms; these are usually harmless to plants but can be unsightly.
• Inaccurate Depth: Spreading too thinly (less than 50mm) will not stop weeds, while spreading too thickly against tree trunks can cause bark rot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much wood chip do I actually need?

A standard rule of thumb is that 1 cubic metre will cover 10 square metres at a depth of 100mm, or 20 square metres at a depth of 50mm. Most gardeners recommend a minimum of 75mm for effective weed suppression.

Can I use fresh wood chip from a tree surgeon?

Yes, but with caution. Fresh chips are great for paths, but for flower beds, they should ideally be "composted" or seasoned for a few months to avoid nitrogen drawdown. Alternatively, use a nitrogen-rich fertiliser on the soil before spreading.

Does wood chip attract rats?

Wood chip itself isn't a food source for rats, but it can provide a warm, dry place for them to tunnel if it is piled very deep. Keeping the layer to 100mm or less and away from house foundations usually prevents issues.

How often does wood chip need replacing?

In the UK climate, wood chip typically lasts 2 to 3 years before it breaks down into the soil. You will likely need a "top-up" layer every 18–24 months to maintain the colour and weed-suppressant properties.

Is bark mulch better than wood chip?

Bark mulch is generally considered more decorative and breaks down more slowly. Wood chip is often tougher and better for high-traffic paths or informal "wild" areas of the garden.