Hi All, Has anyone used polythene sheet with bark chippings on top for paths. Instead of using the far more expensive weed control membrane. As its the path I'm hoping it doesn't matter if the water runs off to the sides onto the beds. If there is any pooling, a couple of slits should drain things away.
I would be grateful for any comments on the idea, before I put it into practice in a few weeks time ??? Sorry if this is repeated, I have read other paths postings but not seen the use of polythene mentioned.
It will be like walking on ice, very slippery when the bark gets wet.
Im planning to use a 10cm thick layer of chippings, I might experiment with a small piece first to see if it is slippery.
I've got plastic / tarpaulin down on some paths. Off-cuts from a bouncy castle manufacturer, they keep the weeds off and arent slippy (unlike my conveyor belt paths!)
Trouble is they red and white striped like a deckchair!
Hi Siward,
was thinking of the same idea myself but am busy for the next couple of weekends!!! have got some black plastic sheeting and a supply of bark chipping when i am ready, let me know how you get on and i will do the same :)
I agree with ACE, it really sounds like an accident waiting to happen. you will just need a little bit of rain and it will be so slippery. I have got some weed suppressing fabric with tree shreddings on top, which seems to work fine, but let us know how you get on. busy_lizzie
I just trampled the soil till flat, and piled in the bark/wood chippings.
4-5 years, will toss in to the compost/manure binand get an ideal soil conditioner for my heavy clay.
(http://uk.geocities.com/ba_seale/path1.jpg)(http://uk.geocities.com/ba_seale/path2.jpg)
only had to walk other side of the lotties to get the stuff. and back up athe hill every load. Great workout in the hailstones.
It does sound like it will be a bit slidey.
I have just bought 100 square metres of heavy duty weed control fabric from e-bay.
The 2mx50m roll cost me 43 quid including delivery. I reckon it will last me at least a couple of years.
I have already done some of my paths with fabric and chippings which are supplied free to my site by the council. I'll use the rest for growing through and covering unused areas of my plot.
Just don't by the fabric from the garden centre or you'll pay 4 times what I did.
I also think the deep chippings with nothing underneath would do a good job.
All the best.
Stork
I use weed control membrane for paths and it has lasted for years - used to lift and relay wherever needed each year but now have plot divided into permanent beds so paths are permanent (easier for us oldies!!). Easy to lift and shake if there is a build-up of soil etc. Absolutely well worth the initial outlay and much easier to maintain than grass paths which need mowing.
Snap wicker, I got two huge 1m wide rolls from Kays Discount Garden Store and still have some to spare for new paths, well worth the outlay. Am going to try straw on top of the membrane this year, if I can get any in the old fashioned small bales (don't think I'll be able to lift one of them tubby roll jobbies ;D)
i got mine off ebay, got a good rate. heavy duty stuff (100gm) 100 square metres for £35. thats CHEAP!!! lot cheaper than kays!