Bark vs. Mulch: What’s the Difference?
Who will be the winner of this epic mulch match-up?
Mulch is any material used to cover soil, including wood chips, grass clippings, and compost.
Bark is a specific type of mulch made from the outer layer of trees.
Both mulch and bark offer countless benefits for soil, including weed suppression and nutrients.
Bark is extremely durable but slightly more expensive than mulch.
Mulch is budget-friendly and easily accessible.
When it comes to caring for your yard, your mulch materials can make a huge impact on the overall aesthetics and health of your green space. There are several options to choose from, and bark and mulch are two popular options. Read on to compare bark vs. mulch and decide which material is right for your lawn.
Bark vs. Mulch: Key Differences
Both bark and mulch can enhance the health and appearance of your landscape. However, these two popular mulching materials are different in a few key ways.
Bark is a specific type of organic mulch, made from the outer layer of trees. Mulch, though, is a general term for a wide range of organic and non-organic materials, such as leaves, grass clippings, straw, wood chips, plastic, and rubber. Mulch is often less expensive but less durable than bark. Bark is beloved for its durability but will cost more to install than mulch.
What Is Bark?
Bark is made from the outer layers of a variety of hardwood trees such as oak and hickory, and softwood trees like cedar, pine, and cypress. Bark is a type of mulch and comes in many sizes and colors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durability | May change the pH of soil and harm plants |
| Comes in a variety of colors and sizes | May require regular reapplication |
| Organic, biodegradable material | More expensive |
| Retains moisture and insulates soil | |
| Suppresses weeds |
Best for:
Landscaping beds, trees, and shrubs
Homeowners who want aesthetic variety
Areas with high foot traffic and heavy rainfall
Pros of Bark
Unlike other organic mulches, bark is extremely durable and lasts about 7 to 10 years. Bark is also biodegradable, meaning it breaks down easily over time. It provides countless benefits for your plants and soil, including moisture retention, weed suppression, and soil insulation. Coming in a wide range of hues and forms, bark has ultra decorative appeal for homeowners who want to beautify their landscape.
Cons of Bark
While bark breaks down slowly compared to other types of organic mulch, it will break down eventually and need to be reapplied. Depending on the environmental conditions, you may find yourself replenishing your bark more frequently. Though bark offers many benefits, it can deplete soil of nutrients and nitrogen which harms plants. You’ll also pay a bit more for bark mulch—about $30 to $100 per yard.
What Is Mulch?
Mulch is a general term to describe any material that covers bare soil. It can be organic or non-organic. Common examples of organic mulch include leaves, pine straw, grass clippings, bark, wood chips, and even shredded paper. Inorganic materials like rubber and plastic can also be used as mulch.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Relatively affordable | Not as durable |
| Retains moisture and insulates soil | May inhibit germination |
| Prevents soil erosion | May require frequent application |
| Weed suppression | Depletes soil of nutrients |
Best for:
Budget-conscious homeowners
Those who don’t mind doing regular maintenance
Pros of Mulch
Since you can opt for inexpensive mulching materials, one huge advantage of using mulch is affordability. You can even use no-cost materials around your property to make DIY compost mulch. Leaves, fruit and vegetable peels, shredded newspaper, coffee grounds, are examples of common household items that can be used as mulch. Mulching can help soil to retain moisture, regulate temperature, reduce erosion, and prevent weed growth.
Cons of Mulch
The potential drawbacks of mulch will largely depend on what type you choose. Compared to bark, other mulching materials may not be as durable and therefore require regular replenishing. It’s also important to be mindful of how much mulch you use. Too thick of a layer can stop nutrients from reaching the soil and harm your plants. Additionally, some mulch types contain properties that deplete soil of nitrogen which can also kill plants.
Bark vs. Mulch
So, should you use bark or opt for another mulching material? Considering how each material compares in relevant categories will help you make the best choice for your yard. You should consult with a lawn care professional in your area for further guidance.
Appearance: Tie
Mulch, including bark, comes in a variety of colors and styles. Since tree species are plentiful in hue and texture, the color of bark can range from red to dark brown. It can also be stringy or thicker in texture. Mulch tends to have a more natural, subtle look that blends in with the soil. Ultimately, your choice between bark vs. mulch will depend on your unique taste.
Price: Mulch
Mulch can be virtually free of cost if you source materials from your property. Mulch from your local hardware store can also be inexpensive depending on the type you choose. Bark is more expensive since it’s stripped from trees, which can be a timely and costly production process.
Of course, you’ll also want to factor in how often your mulch of choice needs replenishing. Bark breaks down slower and will need to be reapplied less frequently than other types of mulch.
Sustainability: Tie
Organic mulch (bark, compost, pine straw, wood chips) is considered to be sustainable because it makes use of waste and promotes soil health. Bark is quite sustainable, but some toxins found in certain types emit toxins that can harm plants. Inorganic mulch, like rubber and plastic, are not eco-friendly and harm the environment. Before choosing a mulch type, make sure to thoroughly research its effect on the environment.
DIYability: Mulch
It’s both easy and budget-friendly to make your own mulch. You can salvage materials that you find around your property, such as grass clippings, leaves, and pine needles. On the other hand, it would take heavy machinery and intense labor to DIY bark. It’s much more convenient to purchase bark from your local hardware or gardening store.
Maintenance and Durability: Bark
Bark is the stand-out when it comes to durability. Due to its decay-resistance, you shouldn’t need to replenish bark frequently because it takes longer to break down. Other types of mulch, like straw, decompose rapidly and need to be reapplied regularly.
