Expert: Jim Hyland - 5/11/2004

Question
I hope you can help.  I have access to free spruce chips from a local lumber mill and I would like to use them as bedding for pathways in my vegetable garden.  Not as a mulch for the plants, just for the pathways.  I heard they attract ants.  Am I asking for trouble by using them in this manner?

Answer
Ants are not attracted to spruce chips. Consider yourself lucky to have access to free chips. For what you discribe the use they are an excellent choice--they can be also be used as a mulch around trees. I say go for it and thank the lumber mill for the chips.