Buying Bark Mulch: Uses and Types

Using bark mulch continues to be a popular method of not only controlling weeds, but also for landscaping. What is the difference between wood and bark mulch? Anything with “bark” in the name must be at least 85% bark of the tree that is named. Wood tends to breakdown quicker than bark. The mulch also seems to be more susceptible to insect damage than bark. There are several types of bark mulch. Here are a few. They do come from various trees and do have various colors.

Spruce: Usually a uniform brown color and has the benefit of a spruce aroma.

Hemlock: Has a red color and may well help with insects if used around the foundation of the house. It is high in natural oils which repels insects like ants while it is still fresh.

Pine: Also has a pine aroma.

Cedar: It’s a medium brown usually and carries the cedar aroma.

There are many brands out there to choose from. Depending on whether you buy organic, from a large outlet like Walmart or from nurseries, the prices will vary a lot. Here in the midwest the prices can vary from 2.99 to 5.99 for a bag of mulch.

There are many brands of bark mulch. Too many to list. But I find it interesting that there are even certified organic mulch products. Colorwise has shredded bark mulch that is 100% forest timber. It comes in black, gold and red.

Forest Resources is also organic. They have grade to premium mulches. Using such bark as Cypress.

What are some uses for bark mulch? Landscaping for one. Uses for bark mulch range from using it around foundations of houses and buildings to laying it down around trees, flowers and vegetable gardens.

Here are some tips on how to use bark mulch.

1.TIP: When using around a tree, don’t pile the bark up around the trunk. Make sure the bark is only 1″-2″ deep and keep it pulled back from the tree trunk itself. Deep mulch can be an open invitation to insects. Let your tree trunk breath.

2.TIP: Before putting down mulch around plants, give the plants a good drink of water. Sometimes mulch can be too deep and actually repel water from the plants that need it.

3.TIP: You can use paper, grass clippings or leaves for the first layer of mulch. Then use your bark mulch for the thin top layer. It may make it cheaper for you to use bark mulch.

4.TIP: Try to remove some of the old mulch from the year before prior to adding new bark mulch.

5.TIP: Remember, if you are wanting perennials to “reseed”, mulch makes this very difficult. The seeds cannot find their way to soil.

There are many types of bark mulch and many prices and brands to go with it. Check for sales on bark mulch late in the season. With proper storage the bark mulch should hold over for use next spring.