Using wood chips in your garden can have numerous benefits, including helping to suppress weeds, conserving moisture in the soil, and adding organic matter to improve soil structure. But if you’re planning on adding wood chips to your garden, you might be wondering how long they should sit before being applied.
The amount of time that wood chips should sit before being applied to your garden depends on a few factors. First, it’s important to consider the type of wood chips you are using. Fresh wood chips, which are often obtained from a tree service or landscaping company, will need to sit for a longer period of time before being applied to your garden. This is because fresh wood chips contain a high amount of moisture and can be difficult to work with. They also have a higher likelihood of harboring weeds and diseases that could potentially harm your plants.
On the other hand, aged wood chips, which have been sitting for a longer period of time and have had a chance to dry out, are generally easier to work with and less likely to harbor weeds or diseases. Aged wood chips can be applied to your garden more quickly than fresh wood chips.
In general, it’s a good idea to let wood chips sit for at least six months before applying them to your garden. This will give them enough time to dry out and become more stable. If you’re using fresh wood chips, you may need to wait even longer, depending on the humidity and temperature in your area.
When applying wood chips to your garden, it’s important to use them in moderation. Wood chips should only be applied in a layer that is about two inches thick. Any thicker, and the wood chips may prevent sunlight and water from reaching the soil and your plants.
In conclusion, the amount of time that wood chips should sit before being applied to your garden depends on the type of wood chips you are using and the conditions in your area. In general, it’s a good idea to let wood chips sit for at least six months before applying them to your garden to ensure they are dry and stable. When applying wood chips to your garden, be sure to use them in moderation and only in a layer that is about two inches thick.