Mulch vs Bark – What is the Difference?

Mulch is any substance placed on the soil’s surface to improve the soil’s health and appearance in your garden bed. Just like compost, Mulch is necessary to keep your plants looking wonderful, but not all types are equally effective. Mulch comes in various forms, but bark mulch is one of the best. It is manufactured from tree bark that has been shredded into fine, medium, and big bits for top dressing your garden beds. In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between bark and mulch and the benefits of bark mulch.

Comparison Of Mulch Vs Bark

Parameters	Mulch	Bark
Definition	A material used to cover soil to retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and improve soil quality	The outer protective layer of a tree trunk that is used as a landscaping material
Material	Can be made from a variety of materials, including wood chips, leaves, grass clippings, straw, and shredded newspaper	Typically made from the bark of trees, such as cedar, cypress, pine, and redwood
Texture	Can have a fine or coarse texture, depending on the material used	Typically has a coarse texture
Color	Can be natural or dyed to various colors, including brown, black, and red	Natural color ranges from light brown to dark brown, depending on the type of tree
Function	Helps retain moisture in the soil, suppress weed growth, regulate soil temperature, and improve soil quality	Used primarily as a decorative landscaping material
Lifespan	Generally lasts 1-2 seasons before needing to be replenished	Can last up to 3-4 years before needing to be replenished
Cost	Can vary depending on the material used, with wood chips and straw typically being the most cost-effective options	Can be more expensive than mulch, depending on the type of bark used
Environmental impact	Can be made from sustainable materials, such as recycled wood or leaves, and can help reduce waste	Can contribute to deforestation if not sourced from sustainable forests
Maintenance	Needs to be replenished regularly to maintain effectiveness	Generally requires minimal maintenance
Safety	Can be a fire hazard if not used properly	Generally safe to use as a landscaping material
Overall purpose	Used primarily for functional purposes, such as retaining moisture and suppressing weeds	Used primarily for decorative purposes, such as enhancing the appearance of landscaping

Difference Between Bark and Mulch 

The main differences between the two are the capacity of wood chips, bark, and other mulch to insulate the ground, hold moisture in the soil, deposit nutrients, inhibit weed development, and how frequently they need to be renewed. Additional aspects may make or break your intended results, even if some of those skills may be established by their size. Once you understand the fundamentals, you’ll notice that mulch along with compost and manaure enhances your landscape, soil fertility and plants strengths while promoting garden growth.

 Benefits of Bark Mulch 

• Maintains soil moisture
• Provides additional weather protection for plants 
• Weeds are suppressed
• Prevents dust from flying around
• Cools the soil
• As it decomposes, it contributes to increasing the soil’s fertility.
• Lasts for a long period
• Enhances the appearance of the garden bed by adding texture and color to the beds
•  Bark mulch is particularly helpful in fostering an environment favorable for earthworms and soil microbes, which over time benefits in reducing soil compaction. 

Types of Bark Mulch 

1. Shredded Wood Mulch 

2. Bark Mulch 

 During the growth season, bark fragments prevent microscopic weed shoots from sprouting by retaining moisture while obstructing sunlight. It will help if you spread it evenly on the ground and around the tree. Just make sure not to add too much coating. An inch or two will do for any tree or grass. Choose mulch carefully, especially if your tree prefers neutral or alkaline soil, as some bark mulch can add to the acidity. You can ask a professional or a horticultural shop owner about the acidity levels of different types of mulch.

3. Untreated Wood Mulch 

In addition to absorbing moisture, wood chips decompose more slowly than shredded mulches. When trees need to be trimmed, or branches and fallen trees need to be removed, any person or company can provide wood-chip mulch for little to no cost. Dye-infused wood chips are sold by some businesses as well. To ensure the wood is free of possibly dangerous chemicals, look for organically colored wood chips if chip color is important.

For mulching around trees and plants, wood chips work best. Instead of stacking the chips in a cone shape around the plant’s base, arrange them in a circle, with the lowest circle points several inches from the tree trunk. This enables the plant to receive oxygen and aids in preventing fungus problems.

Uses of Mulch 

1. Grass Clipping 

It’s simple to mulch your beds using mulch. After cutting your lawn, let the clippings dry for a day or two (to prevent damp, stinky grass) and add them to your garden beds. Use 2 to 3 inches around fruits, berries, and flowers. Never use grass clippings from lawns that have been weed-killer sprayed. Weed killer is also accessible and reasonably priced.

2. Straw hay 

In vegetable gardens, around strawberries and other small crops, straw hay mulch can be used up to 6 or 8 inches thick. In the garden, straw may serve as a source of weed seeds or provide a fire risk. The straw will look more lovely in your beds if you chop it up. Additionally, if you have cattle, this is cheap and easily accessible.

3. Pine Needle 

Pine needles, sometimes referred to as pine straw, make great mulch for some flower gardens. Pine straw is an organic mulch created from fallen pine needles. Like any garden mulch, pine needles form a shield that protects plants, retains moisture, improves soil quality, and inhibits weed development. They are light and fluffy, making it easy to spread them out, and they don’t compact much as they break down, so you don’t have to worry about them getting too thick or forming a mat that won’t let any rain through.

4. Shredded Leaf Mulch 

Shredded leaf mulch is a fallen leaf shredded with a leaf shredder or lawn mower. Use 2 to 3 inches around flower beds, vegetables, or shrubs. Do not use diseased or insectivorous leaves or black walnut leaves that can be toxic. The leaves are readily available in your yard and can be chopped easily, making it one of the most inexpensive cover crops.

Conclusion 

Mulching offers a variety of advantages. Mulch helps retain moisture, prevent soil erosion, supply nutrients, and control weeds while protecting your investment in your home’s garden or landscape plants. A well-kept yard with attractively mulched planters will improve your house’s curb appeal and keep your plants healthy and strong. Your plants will appreciate it whether you use bark, wood chips, or other mulch material.

Frequently Asked Questions