Pinebark Softscape Mulch

[The Specimen]

Happened to loiter Bunnings today and I found Pine Bark Softscape Mulch.. something I haven't seen before.

I will be ordering 3-6mm Orchiata Pine Bark but bought this to try out whilst I wait.

The sizing looks decent to use as an additive to mixes but no where on the bag was there any info on whether the pine bark was 100% natural or not.

Any thoughts on using this kinda stuff?

$11.95 / 25l bag

[shibui]

There's a lot of science goes into potting mix. Things we mere mortals haven't even dreamed of.
The bark you're looking appears to be ideal size but has not been composted. When you use it as part of a potting mix it will tend to grab all the available nitrogen to start the composting process, leaving the trees to starve. Of course, you can add extra fertiliser, provided you are aware of the problem before it affects the plants in the mix.
Commercial potting mix has long term N added to counteract the N drawdown.
Also lime or dolomite is added to bring the pH up to around neutral.
Bark based potting mixes are also notorious for iron deficiency so commercial mixes have slow release Fe added too.
Commercial potting mixes also have controlled release fertiliser as part of the mix. I think the standards demand at least 3 months of available nutrients.
There's also standards for water holding capacity and air filled porosity.

At $12/25 litres you'd be way better off getting a bag of good, ready made potting mix. It will already be pH balanced, long term N and iron and fertiliser for around the same price.

[The Specimen]

Goodness me Shibui

There are levels to the game

Thanks for the info share.. I had no idea I was putting trees in harms way