Conserving Soil Moisture
Australia is known for it high summer temperatures and is the
driest continent on the planet. Water is becoming more expensive
and supply can no longer be assured as it has in the past. A lot
of water is lost from bare soil through evaporation. A layer of
Hardwood Woodchip reduces water evaporation. This means more
water for your plants. You will not have to water as often,
saving money and our valuable water.
Reducing Weeds
A 50mm layer of Hardwood Woodchip shades the soil, reducing
weed seed germination. Your plant beds will be cleaner. Weeds
that do emerge are weak stemmed and easy to pull out by hand.
Cooling the Soil
Bare soil absorbs a high percentage of heat from the sun.
Hardwood Woodchips absorb very little of the suns radiant
energy, reflecting the heat back into the air. Test have shown
that soil can be as much as 15 degrees cooler than bare soil.
OTHER USES
PLAYGROUNDS : Soil around swing sets and backyard play
equipment becomes hard over time as it is walked on and
compressed. Woodchips are an inexpensive alternative to sand in
these areas.
MULCH : woodchips hold moisture so you water less. When
mulching around trees and plants leave some space (a collar)
between them and the woodchip.
COMPOST : Woodchip take longer to break down than other
compost materials, but the final product has fantastic texture.
EROSION CONTROL : Woodchip can be used to control erosion
on moderate slopes. Cover has to be approximately 100mm deep.
