Shopper's Guide to Bark Mulch

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By Charlie Nardozzi

The advantages of using organic mulch to blanket soil around trees, shrubs, and perennial plants are many: Mulch moderates soil temperature and makes a more favorable environment for roots. It reduces evaporation of moisture, helping to conserve water. It reduces splashing from rain or irrigation water, reduces the spread of disease, and blocks the germination of many weed seeds. Beyond all that, a mulch dresses up your garden, giving it a more finished look.

This article explores the kinds of bark mulches you can buy and their advantages and disadvantages. Several bark and wood mulches are available--bark nuggets, mini-nuggets, hardwood mulch, and shredded mulch. Some come in bags, some in bulk. A chief advantage of these mulches compared with other organic mulches is that they remain attractive and functional for a couple of years. That's why gardeners mulching around trees, shrubs, and other long-lived plants are wise to choose a long-lasting bark mulch.

The Difference Between Wood and Bark Mulch

According to the National Bark & Soil Producers Association, any mulch with "bark" in the name must be at least 85 percent bark of that named tree. A "mulch" material, on the other hand, need be only 70 percent of the named material, and it may be either bark or wood. In both cases, the remaining 15 or 30 percent can be just about anything, but it is usually wood.

The primary difference is how long the mulch will last before breaking down. "Wood breaks down quicker and is more susceptible to insect damage and discoloring than bark," explains Bob LaGasse, executive director of the NBSPA.

Nitrogen Deficiency

Decomposing wood requires nitrogen. If you add a quantity of, say, fresh sawdust to your garden soil, chances are your plants will suffer from a lack of nitrogen. In this case, the soil isn't necessarily deficient, but the breakdown of the sawdust "induces" nitrogen deficiency in your plants. Wood and bark mulches can also induce nitrogen deficiency, but it isn't likely because they decompose at such a slow rate. It's also unlikely because they are on top of the soil, not incorporated at root depth. But if this concerns you, or if your plants show the signs of nitrogen deficiency, add a 2-1-1 ratio fertilizer, such as 20-10-10, before mulching (2 to 5 pounds per 500 square feet).

Agricultural By-products

Exotic mulches are usually agricultural by-products and are often (or only) available in bulk. One big advantage is their very low cost. Most are available only seasonally and only in certain areas of the country. Some examples of these include cottonseed, buckwheat, corncobs, grape pomace, pine straw, and pecan, walnut, and rice hulls.

Although many exotic mulches are attractive and less expensive to use, they can be hard to find and may attract insects, such as ants. Plus, they tend to break down quickly. Ask your local Extension agent or garden center about the availability of this kind of mulch in your area.

Cost of Bark and Wood Mulch

Of course prices vary across the country, depending largely upon your distance from the source, the specific type of mulch, and local promotions. In general, expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $3 per 2-cubic-foot bag, or $3 to $6 per 3-cubic-foot bag. Buying in bulk saves money, but you'll need to have your own truck. One pickup-truck load (about 1-cubic-yard) costs $14 to $25.

How to Mulch

Two good rules of thumb are to mulch with 3 to 4 inches of bark mulch each season and to avoid mulch layer buildup (and potential nutrient deficiency problems) by removing old layers of undecomposed mulch before adding new layers. Coarse-textured mulches, such as shredded bark, can be applied thicker than fine-textured mulches, such as cocoa hulls. However, there are variations and exceptions related to the type of plants you're mulching and your landscape situation.

Mulching Your Plants

Whatever the type of plant, it's rarely advised to mulch more deeply than 6 inches. Mulch layers thicker than that might reduce air circulation in the soil, which will retard plant growth. Also, don't pile mulch around the main stem of a plant where it enters the soil. The added moisture and insect haven that results could damage the plant you're trying to help. Spread the mulch so that it covers the "dripline" of your plant.

Annuals and Perennials

To avoid encouraging stem rot diseases, use a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around soft-stemmed annuals and perennials.

Trees, Shrubs, and Vines

Even around older plants with thick bark, don't crowd mulch around their bases. Most won't succumb to stem rot as quickly as soft-stemmed perennials, but it can happen just the same.

Vegetables

Vegetable gardeners usually prefer to use mulches that decompose more rapidly than wood and bark and add nutrients to the soil in the process. A common example is a thin layer of grass clippings. Because vegetables grow fast and prefer optimum soil conditions, a bark mulch that is tilled into the soil before it is decomposed might steal nitrogen from roots and so is best avoided. However, a bark mulch can give well-tended vegetable gardens a much more refined look.

Landscape Situation

Which mulch you choose depends on the site:

Areas Prone to Flooding: Nuggets last many years without breaking down, but they're not useful in wet areas or on steep slopes because they float and wash away easily. Similarly, don't use a fine particle mulch, such as cocoa hulls, in windy or seasonally flooded areas since they can blow or float away easily. Of course, aesthetics may weigh heavier in your final decision. Although cocoa hulls float, you may be willing to reapply them because you like their dark, rich color and chocolaty smell.

Slopes: On steep slopes, shredded mulch is best, and hardwood holds better than softwood. However, hardwood mulch tends to break down faster than softwood and may need to be reapplied sooner.

Pathways: For easiest walking, use shredded bark or pathway bark mulch. The irregularity of shredded bark and the small particle size of pathway bark are better for walking compared with mulches with larger particle sizes.

Amount of Mulch to Cover 100-Square-Foot AreaMulch Depth (inches)/ Amount of Mulch Needed

4 inches/ 34 cubic ft.3 inches/ 25 cubic ft.2 inches/ 17 cubic ft.

1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = one small pickup load of bulk mulch. Bark mulch bags are commonly sold at garden centers in 2- or 3-cubic-foot units.

About Charlie Nardozzi
Thumb of 2020-06-04/Trish/0723fdCharlie Nardozzi is an award winning, nationally recognized garden writer, speaker, radio, and television personality. He has worked for more than 30 years bringing expert gardening information to home gardeners through radio, television, talks, tours, on-line, and the printed page. Charlie delights in making gardening information simple, easy, fun and accessible to everyone. He's the author of 6 books, has three radio shows in New England and a TV show. He leads Garden Tours around the world and consults with organizations and companies about gardening programs. See more about him at Gardening With Charlie.
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