[ptarmigan]

I've got raised beds and a free supply of bark clippings.  Usually I put weed suppressant down before the bark chippings. Do I need to?   or could I just tip bark straight onto paths?

[sunshineband]

Weed suppressant membrane stops perennial weeds from growing through the bark chipping, or any germinating seedlings from pushing their way up too.

Works well for me

[victoria park]

Either way has it's issues. I use bark paths. If you are looking for year long growth free paths, put down a membrane first. Bark/mulch has to be really quite thick to stop the usual suspects coming through. But membrane is not foolproof in itself  over narrow paths and snaking roots can still invade the beds.

My paths get moved around every year or two, so I use the woodchip as a compost for future beds in effect, and therefore no membrane. Blown in weed seeds root in the bark chippings but are easier to remove with membrane underneath. I guess I spend overall about half a day a year clearing my no membrane chipped paths from weeds/couch. Not a huge amount of time.

[snow white]

Part of my paths have membrane down and part don't.  There is not much difference to be honest in weed growth.  Dandelions still manage to grow through the membrane from drifting seeds.  Do what you have time and money for.

[gobs]

Part of my paths have membrane down and part don't.  There is not much difference to be honest in weed growth.  Dandelions still manage to grow through the membrane from drifting seeds.  Do what you have time and money for.

For the third, I'd second Victoria and Snow White. There isn't much difference. If you have no time, energy, do not want  to spend on it, of course, you can do it without the membrane. It will be easier to move, if you change your mind about the lay-out.

[JimB]

.

I have all my paths covered with bark and re do them most years, but the moles love them, though they don't interfere with the raised beds as a result!

A tree contractor dumps a regular supply, so that he does not have to pay to dispose of it!