Bark mulch is one of the most common types of mulch that you can buy and use for your garden. But like anything else, it has pros and cons. Let’s look at the pros and cons of bark mulch.
Pros of Bark Mulch
- Is fairly inexpensive. Call around and get prices and you may even get wood chips for free.
- It’s very natural. Just avoid dyed or colored bark
- Eventually will break down and give your soil nutrients.
- When you apply it thickly enough, it can suppress weeds.
- It comes in many styles and sizes so you can choose the one that is going to work for your needs.
Cons of Bark Mulch
- Because it breaks down eventually, you’ll have to replenish it eventually. How often it breaks down will depend on the climate and the bark’s type of size.
- Colored decorative bark possibly was treated using chemical dyes. This means it’s not suitable for edible gardens.
- When you buy bagged bark for mulching big spaces it will create a lot of plastic waste. So it’s a good idea to find a company that will deliver.
- Pine bark’s more acidic. It also takes longer for breaking down than hardwood mulch such as fir, redwood, or cedar. You can also use it on your garden bed soil’s top. However, it’s not a good idea to mix it in.
- Bumblebees and ground-dwelling bees aren’t going to burrow through it. So you want to choose compost mulch for promoting gardens that are pollinator-friendly.
These are the pros and cons of bark mulch. When you are looking for mulch for your garden, bark mulch is a great choice. Remember that we offer gardening services. so contact us if you’re interested in some help!
