Bark is such a versatile material and its wide array of benefits often goes unknown. Bark can be used simply for the purpose of beautifying your landscape, however, its uses are far more widespread than that. Although it is often overlooked, it should be considered for both beauty and practicality. Mulching has a variety of beneficial properties. When used in conjunction with vegetation, it offers huge benefits. We are here to fill you in on everything you need to know.

Installing bark will:

• Aid in moisture retention and reduce water usage. Cutting back on watering reduces utility bills, which means more money in your pocket and less time spent watering.
• Improve soil structure and aid in healthy root growth. The root system is the foundation for plants and healthy growth is crucial for plants to thrive.  
• Reduce or even stop weed growth. Cut down on labor and maintenance and spend more time enjoying the outside.
• Add vital nutrients to the soil. Your plants will thrive when they have the right nutrients.
• Protect against heat and cold. Summertime heat and wintertime chills can often shock plants to the point of no return if not properly cared for.
• Refine your landscape. Installing bark around plants will give your yard a truly manicured look.

Some things to consider:

• Use shredded stringy bark on slopes and hillsides. It will hold in place better than chips.
• If mulching fruit trees, leave some space between tree trunks and the mulch. Because bark retains moisture, mulching too close to trees can lead to tree rot.
• Larger pieces of bark take longer to break down. If you are looking to add nutrients to the soil consider using a smaller or finer bark that will break down quicker.
• First time bark installation should allow for a depth of no less than 2”, but ideally 3” in order to gain all the benefits we mentioned.
• Because bark is an organic matter and will break down over time, it will need to be replenished every few years to maintain the benefits and keep your yard looking top-notch. A 1”-2” overlay should be expected.

Bark is great for any size project, from small flower beds or vegetable gardens to large orchards or expansive open areas that need to be tamed with a little TLC. Next time you’re considering landscaping, remember all the benefits of using bark; you won’t be disappointed!

Different Types of Bark

Gorilla Hair This shredded redwood material is an exceptionally long-lasting, decorative ground cover. Gorilla hair is fibrous and fuzzy in nature, soft in appearance, and rich in color. It seems to hold together better along minor slopes and hillsides. Along with the great aesthetic appeal, it increases moisture retention and weed reduction.

Medium Nuggets Preferred as decorative bark mulch, these 2″ and smaller nuggets can be used as a walk-on surface or for ground cover. With a clean, yet natural look, these individual nuggets are long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing.

Mini Nuggets Mini nuggets are produced with high-quality installations in mind. It’s a popular choice for installations that need complete coverage as it hugs the trunk system of most plants and shrubs while aiding in moisture retention and weed reduction.

Recycled Brown After we accept Green and Wood waste at our yard, we double grind the raw pile and produce a sellable product. The material could be a mixture of various shrubs and local trees from oak, eucalyptus, pine, and construction debris including 2×4 lumber and plywood. We don’t accept any type of treated wood or painted material. This material is a perfect fit for larger properties that would have an alternative to dirt; it’s an excellent choice for weed control and moisture retention in your soil.