Get ready to dig into the details, use cases, pros, and cons of hardwood mulch, wood chips, and three types of mulch made from bark – bark nuggets, bark dust, and bark mulch.
All are popular types of organic mulch, and all but one (bark dust) are easy to get your hands on and easy to work with.
TL;DR? no worries! Scan the FAQs below and get the info you need in a hurry.
Just FYI, there are other mulch options and tips to know regarding what kinds of mulch are best for different climates and soil types, how to apply mulch to best effect, and more.
After taking in the info here, maybe hop over to our comprehensive guide, “What Does Mulch Do? Basics, Benefits & Best Practices”, and get even more mulch-related intel to make the best decision for your project and outdoor space.
Mulch and bark are two common organic materials used in landscaping and gardening. Though they serve similar purposes as ground covers there are some distinct differences between mulch and bark. Understanding when to use each can help you optimize your garden’s health, appearance, and functionality.
Defining Mulch
Mulch refers to any material spread or laid on top of the soil as a protective ground cover. Both organic and inorganic mulches exist:
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Organic mulches include wood chips, shredded bark, pine needles, straw, leaves, grass clippings, compost, and other natural materials. As they break down, organic mulches improve soil fertility and structure.
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Inorganic mulches include stones, gravel landscape fabric black plastic sheeting, and recycled rubber mulch. These do not enhance soil quality but serve other purposes like weed suppression.
Organic mulches like wood chips or shredded bark are preferable in most garden applications. Mulch helps:
- Conserve moisture in soil
- Reduce weed growth
- Regulate soil temperatures
- Prevent erosion
- Improve drainage
- Enrich soil as the mulch decomposes
Defining Bark
Bark refers specifically to shredded or chipped pieces of tree bark. Bark mulch is a popular organic mulching material derived from pine, cedar, cypress, oak, maple and other tree species
It comes in different sizes such as chips, shredded pieces, or nuggets. Bark mulch can vary in color from light brown to reddish-brown depending on the source tree species.
Like other organic mulches, bark mulch has benefits:
- Suppresses weed growth
- Retains soil moisture
- Moderates soil temperatures
- Reduces erosion
- Decorative appearance
However, key differences set bark mulch apart from standard mulch materials.
Key Differences Between Mulch and Bark
While mulch and bark serve similar landscaping purposes, there are notable differences:
Appearance
- Mulch: Mixed natural appearance, blends into garden beds
- Bark: Uniform color and texture, provides decorative contrast
Composition
- Mulch: Made from diverse plant-based materials
- Bark: Derived only from tree bark
Decomposition Rate
- Mulch: Breaks down relatively quickly
- Bark: Decomposes very slowly over time
Soil Improvement
- Mulch: Adds more organic matter to the soil as it decomposes
- Bark: Contributes less fertility and nutrients over time
Weed Prevention
- Mulch: Initially blocks weeds well when fresh
- Bark: Provides extended weed suppression as it lasts longer
Cost
- Mulch: Typically cheaper
- Bark: More expensive since it’s a premium material
Water Retention
- Mulch: Holds more moisture
- Bark: Promotes drainage, less water retention
Durability
- Mulch: Tends to degrade faster under foot traffic
- Bark: Withstands heavy or frequent foot traffic better
Application Depth
- Mulch: Apply 2-4 inch layer
- Bark: Requires 3-6 inch layer for effective coverage
Reapplication Rate
- Mulch: Needs replacement every 1-2 years
- Bark: Can last 2-4 years between applications
When to Use Mulch vs. Bark
There are certain applications where mulch or bark excel:
Use Mulch When You Want:
- To improve overall soil health and fertility
- An organic look that blends into garden beds
- To readily mix into soil
- Maximize moisture retention
- An economical ground cover for large areas
Use Bark When You Want:
- A tidy, uniform appearance
- Decorative contrast and texture
- Effective weed prevention with less maintenance
- To reduce erosion on slopes
- Long lasting durability under foot traffic
- A pleasant natural aroma
- Less frequent reapplication needs
Application Tips
Follow these best practices when applying mulch or bark:
- Remove weeds first
- Apply 2-4″ of mulch or 3-6″ of bark evenly across the area
- Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems and trunks
- Replenish as needed, about yearly for mulch or every 2-4 years for bark
- Rake occasionally to refresh and maintain even coverage
- For trees, leave a mulch-free zone near the trunks
Achieve an Ideal Landscape
How do bark mulch, hardwood mulch, and wood chips affect soil nutrients?
All three types of mulch break down, enriching soil with nutrients and improving soil structure. Bark mulch and wood chips decompose more slowly, gradually adding organic matter to the soil. Hardwood mulch breaks down more quickly, supplying nutrients to the soil ecosystem faster.
How do bark mulch, hardwood mulch, and wood chips impact soil pH?
Certain types of bark mulch, like pine bark, can increase soil acidity, benefiting acid-loving plants. As it decomposes, hardwood mulch can make the soil more alkaline, which may not be suitable for acid-loving plants. In general, wood chips have a neutral effect on soil pH, but this can vary depending on the wood source.
The Best and Worst Mulch for Your Garden | Southern Living
FAQ
Is it better to use mulch or bark?
Hardwood mulch is derived from the inner wood of hardwood trees; it decomposes faster than bark mulch, enriching the soil with nutrients more quickly.Jan 24, 2023
What are the disadvantages of mulch?
Disadvantages of Mulching
Excessive mulch that is a layer more than 3 inches deep can suffocate and bury plants. In this case, oxygen and water are unable to reach the roots. A layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch is enough. Do not over mulch.
Can bark be used as mulch?
Wood, including bark from larger, mature trees can be chipped and applied as a fresh mulch on both unplanted areas and around plants on well-established beds.
Is mulch the same as bark chippings?
What is a “mulch”? A mulch is simply a layer of material applied across the surface of an area of soil. It’s often used to condition the soil and discourage weed growth. Organic mulches include bark chippings, shredded bark, wood chippings, wood shavings and compost.
What is the difference between bark and mulch?
A1: Bark and mulch are both organic materials used for landscaping, but the main difference lies in their sources. Bark is the protective outer layer of trees, while mulch is a general term for any material used to cover the soil’s surface. Wood chips are often a type of mulch that can be made from bark, branches, or other wood sources.
Does bark outlast mulch?
Again, that’s not a significant difference, but if you want to use a longer-lasting wood in your yard, bark is the right option. However, if your garden floods often, bark won’t outlast mulch. Wind can also pick up mulch and bark and take it from your garden, so sometimes, mother nature controls the lifespan of a wood chip.
Why is bark a good mulch?
It’s a popular choice for mulching because it not only improves soil health but also adds aesthetic appeal to garden beds. Soil Health: Bark mulch helps maintain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering. It also regulates soil temperature, protecting plant roots from extreme temperatures.