Landscaping Bark: Benefits, Uses & How Much You Need
If you’re looking to add both beauty and functionality to your outdoor space, landscaping bark is an excellent material to consider. Whether you’re working on a flower bed, tree base, or a large garden project, bark mulch offers natural protection for the soil while enhancing your landscape’s overall look.
What Is Landscaping Bark?
Landscaping bark is made from shredded or chipped tree bark, typically sourced from pine, spruce, or fir trees. It’s used as a mulch to cover soil in garden beds, borders, pathways, and under trees and shrubs.
It comes in different grades and textures from fine mulch to large decorative bark nuggets depending on the type of project and desired appearance.
Benefits of Using Bark in Landscaping
Using bark in your landscaping offers multiple benefits:
- Moisture retention: Slows evaporation and keeps soil damp
- Weed suppression: Blocks sunlight, reducing unwanted growth
- Soil insulation: Protects roots from extreme heat or cold
- Erosion control: Prevents soil from being washed away during rain
- Aesthetic improvement: Adds a polished, uniform look to outdoor spaces
How Much Landscaping Bark Do You Need?
The amount of bark you’ll need depends on the area size and desired depth. A common recommendation is to apply 2–3 inches of bark mulch for effective coverage.
To estimate this accurately, especially for large projects, use our Topsoil Calculator. Though designed for soil, it works equally well for bark simply input your area dimensions and depth to get the required volume in cubic yards.
Where to Use Landscaping Bark
You can apply landscaping bark in a variety of outdoor settings:
- Flower beds
- Tree bases
- Shrub borders
- Pathways and walkways
- Vegetable gardens (around non-edible parts)
- Around raised beds or wildflower turf edges
Bark vs Mulch — What’s the Difference?
Though often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference:
- Bark is a type of mulch made from tree bark
- Mulch is a broader term that includes bark, compost, straw, and other materials
Bark tends to last longer and is more decorative, making it ideal for visible landscaping.
Bulk Bark or Bagged Bark?
- Bulk landscaping bark is cost-effective for large areas
- Bagged bark is easier to handle for small gardens or detailed work
If you’re ordering in bulk, knowing the exact volume you need is essential to avoid overspending. Again, our Topsoil Calculator can help with this.
Environmentally Friendly Choice
Many landscaping bark products are made from recycled or sustainably sourced wood, making them an eco-friendly option for gardeners and landscapers.
Final Thoughts
Landscaping bark is more than just a decorative touch it’s a practical and sustainable choice for protecting your soil, conserving water, and reducing garden maintenance.
Make sure to calculate the exact volume of bark you need using our Topsoil Calculator and give your outdoor space the perfect finishing layer.