Bark chippings stinking of creosote

[CurlyhairedAssassin]

have just put some bark chippings down as mulch in our front garden - bought the bag today and honestly, it STINKS of some chemicals like a creosote type of smell. The remainder is now in the bag in the garage which is attached to the side of our house and we can smell it from inside the house with all doors closed! DH had to wash his hands twice just from moving the bag. I used gardening gloves to pick up the actual chippings and spread them about and my hands smelt afterwards.

I'm just so worried that we've put a load of chemicals into our soil......Will it be harmless? Surely they couldn't sell it if it wasn't good for plants and soil?

They shouldn't smell of creosote. I would take it back.

Complain to the supplier (shop) and do not be fobbed off, all very politely, they should be made aware of this. If you do not get satisfation from this, suggest you will go to Trading Standards. (That should work) I know litigious people who would get compensation so that the affected area is dug up and replanted as your origninal intention. Sympathy.

IMO they have mulched reclaimed garden fences or are disguising mould. I would be interested to learn how you get on with this.

The chippings were from B&Q, I would have thought a big company like that wouldn't be trying to sell off dodgy stuff??? Would do so much damage to their reputation.....or am I just being naive?

The smell seems to have dissipated a bit now.

I will have a word with the people on the customer service desk next time I go to b&q, and won't put the rest down in the mean time.

Thanks, will let you know what they say.

Just thought - would the smell have perhaps been because the chippings are treated with something to prevent mould in storage or somethign?