I think the stuff with cocoa in it smells nicer - it smells strongly of chocolate Most dogs won't eat it, but a few will and puppies are quite likely to be attracted to the smell.
There are a few different types of bark sold - ranging from bark chips, which are quite hard to composted bark, which is very soft. The bigger the bits, the longer it lasts and the lumpier it is, the softer it is, the faster it breaks down (i.e. the faster it develops mould) so it's a balance between durability and texture. Bigger lumps will be drier, too. In our local garden centre, they have a little pot of the stuff in the bag next to the stand, so you can feel what it's like - try before you buy The big DIY chains don't but there's almost always a ripped bag there somewhere.
You may need to experiment a little with the ones available near you.
Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Bark comes in different grades or sizes and you can often choose between bark types. In my experience, big chunks blow around less but can be rougher for bare knees. Finer grades are too easy for birds to throw about when they're fossicking for insects and they also break down more easily on their road to becoming compost. Maritime pine bark also breaks down fairly quickly.
Shop around.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Play bark is about three times the price is the main difference Id say! I just used normal bark chippings from a local tree surgeon, the kids seem to have survived unscathed!
Agree with sorting the grass and before chopping everything else down, always a good idea to live with it a while before diving in too quickly. Helps you get a feel for what you like, where the nicest places to sit are etc.
Are the tree stumps an issue at the moment? If they are at ground level and not causing any problems then it wont do any harm to just leave them in, unless they are where you want to plant or dig down deeper
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There are a few different types of bark sold - ranging from bark chips, which are quite hard to composted bark, which is very soft. The bigger the bits, the longer it lasts and the lumpier it is, the softer it is, the faster it breaks down (i.e. the faster it develops mould) so it's a balance between durability and texture. Bigger lumps will be drier, too. In our local garden centre, they have a little pot of the stuff in the bag next to the stand, so you can feel what it's like - try before you buy
You may need to experiment a little with the ones available near you.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Shop around.
Agree with sorting the grass and before chopping everything else down, always a good idea to live with it a while before diving in too quickly. Helps you get a feel for what you like, where the nicest places to sit are etc.
Are the tree stumps an issue at the moment? If they are at ground level and not causing any problems then it wont do any harm to just leave them in, unless they are where you want to plant or dig down deeper