Greetings Fellow fig lovers... 

I was wondering on the question of wood chips to mix with potting soil on planters. I am aware that traditionally pine is the commonly used chips. I was wondering if anyone has experienced with other types of wood, and if there is a big / slight or whatever difference in using other types.  

Probably not a game changing question, but I would like to hear what your experiences are.

Tnx!

Coco chips are good too but I prefer Pine

Wood chips decompose rapidly and are usually not added to potting medium unless you are using cedar shavings and I understand they work well. Pine bark is usually used as the bulk in potting soil other than peat.

I recall many moons ago, my 7th grade horticulture industrial arts instructor told us that while sawdust is decomposing, that process actually takes nitrogen out of the soil.

Cheers,  Tim Zone 10a

Pine & Fir bark is usually used because they last a long time.  Wood chips are decomposed more quickly by bacteria and fungi and they use nitrogen to break down the cellulose and lignin in the wood.  That leaves less Nitrogen for the plant as has been mentioned.  Unless you test your soil often you'll probably alternate between too much and too little nitrogen.

Hey thanks for the input guys!   Bark it is, chips is what I was calling it.

Rafaelisimo: I have never added this to anything I do, but have been considering trying it as rooting substrate. Will check with the Forum before I do so  on advice.
Hershell: I do use wood shavings, but as mulch. Is that how you mean to use it?
Tim:  Interesting fact. I have added wood chips and barck to my mixes. I had read somewhere that this promoted root growth and health. Perhaps I got it wrong :(  !!!
May its time to rethink this process for me...

Thanks Robert!  great information there.

Any idea why pine and Fri are Ideal?  -Not trying to be a pest here. Just wondering.

Regards

I use wood chips as mulch. The companies that trim under the power lines need a place to dump that is dry enough that they don't risk getting stuck so I allow them to dump on my property. It is a huge pile every 6 to 8 years and this is the year that they trim this area. You can see pictures over at Ourfigs.com. It is titled Flat to greenhouse.

Hey Jerry. As an alternative to pure pine bark chips,I found this Humus mix at Walmart and it is organic and very affordable ,I think it was only $1,47 per QF and one of its mains ingredient is pine fines! I ve used it in 6 of my newly up potted trees and it gives my potting mix a very nice texture and weight ! First time using humus in my potting mix so any input from others would be appreciated!

The topic says "on soil" so I assumed you meant as mulch and not as part of potting mix. For mulch, I use thick pine bark chunks. For potting mix, it is pretty well established that pine fines, eg Agway fines or the equivalent, make a nice addition to a pro-mix type potting mix. They are a main component of Fafard 52, which is my preferred medium.