Bark vs Mulch

Bark vs. Mulch: What’s the Difference and Which is Best for Your Landscape?

When you start planning a landscaping project, you’ll hear the terms bark and mulch tossed around a lot. People often use them interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same. At Aardvark Bark, we think it’s important to know the difference so you can get the look, performance, and longevity you’re after.

We’ve been supplying and installing landscape bark and mulch across the Puget Sound for decades, so we know firsthand what works best for homes, businesses, and public spaces. This page will help you understand the difference between bark and mulch, when to choose each, how much you’ll need, and why our bulk bark delivery and blower truck service makes the whole process easy.

Bark vs. Mulch — A Simple Explanation

  • Bark: The outer covering of trees, processed into clean, uniform sizes like fine bark, medium bark, or dark bark. Bark products from Aardvark Bark are 100% natural fir and hemlock sourced from the Pacific Northwest.

  • Mulch: A broad category that includes bark, but also other materials like wood chips, compost, hog fuel, and shredded yard debris. Think of mulch as anything you put on top of the soil to help with weed control, moisture retention, or erosion control.

So, while all bark is mulch, not all mulch is bark. And that difference matters when you’re thinking about looks, longevity, and maintenance.

Why Choose Bark Over Mulch?

If you’re going for a clean, uniform look that lasts, bark is usually the better choice. Here’s why:

  • Appearance: Fine or medium bark gives your beds a neat, professional finish. Wood chip mulch can look rustic and uneven.

  • Longevity: Bark decomposes more slowly, so you don’t have to replace it as often.

  • Weed Control: A good 2–3 inch layer of bark creates a natural barrier against weeds.

  • Moisture Retention: Bark holds water in the soil, protecting your plants during dry spells.

Mulch products like compost or arborist chips are great in the right setting, but they tend to break down faster and don’t always give you that sharp, finished look many homeowners want.

Types of Bark We Offer

Every yard is different, so we stock several bark options for our customers across Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, and surrounding areas.

Fine Red Bark (5/8" minus)

Perfect for front yards, garden beds, or any area where you want a refined, finished appearance. Fine bark settles smoothly and does an excellent job at weed suppression.

Medium Red Bark (1½" minus)

Our most popular option for homeowners and businesses. Medium bark strikes the right balance between cost, coverage, and longevity. It’s also heavy enough to stay put on slopes.

Fine Dark Bark

If you want bold contrast against lighter plants, fine dark bark is a great pick. It’s especially popular for modern landscapes and commercial installations where appearance really matters.

Mulch Options (That Aren’t Bark)

We also supply products like arborist chips, compost, and trail mix mulch. These are less refined, break down faster, and are great for large, rustic areas or places where improving the soil is the main goal. For example, compost is excellent for vegetable gardens but doesn’t work as a long-term decorative top layer.

How Much Bark Do You Need?

A common question we get is: “How many yards of bark do I need?” Here’s a quick guide:

  • 1 cubic yard covers:

    • 324 sq. ft. at 1" deep

    • 162 sq. ft. at 2" deep

    • 108 sq. ft. at 3" deep

Most homeowners aim for 2–3 inches of bark mulch to get the best results. If you’re not sure how to calculate it, just give us your square footage and we’ll do the math for you.

Delivery and Bark Blowing Service

One of the things that sets Aardvark Bark apart is our blower truck installation service. Instead of shoveling and wheelbarrowing bark around your yard, our blower trucks spread it quickly and evenly — even in tight corners, steep hillsides, or hard-to-reach spots.

  • Bulk Bark Delivery: Great if you want to spread it yourself.

  • Blower Truck Installation: Fast, clean, and precise. Saves you time and labor while protecting your plants.

Homeowners love it because it saves hours of work. Contractors love it because it makes big jobs simple.

Bark Maintenance Tips

To keep your yard looking fresh year-round:

  • Replenish bark every 12–18 months.

  • Rake the top layer once or twice a year to fluff it and keep it from compacting.

  • Keep bark a few inches away from tree trunks and house siding to prevent excess moisture buildup.

  • Remove fallen leaves and debris so they don’t smother the bark layer.

Eco-Friendly Landscaping Choice

Our bark is sourced as a natural byproduct from Northwest sawmills, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly landscaping choice. No dyes, no chemicals, just clean, natural bark. That means it’s safe for pets, kids, and your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bark safe for vegetable gardens?
Yes, but it’s best used around the outside of beds. For soil improvement, add compost first, then finish with bark for weed control and moisture protection.

Does bark attract pests?
No more than any other organic ground cover. Just avoid piling it directly against wood siding or structures.

Can I use bark on a slope?
Absolutely. Medium bark holds up well on slopes, especially when applied at the right depth.

How long will bark last?
On average, 12–18 months before a top-up is needed. Darker barks may fade faster under direct sunlight, while medium bark tends to hold color longer.

Bark Delivery and Installation in the Puget Sound

We proudly provide bark mulch delivery and blower truck installation across:

  • Tacoma

  • Seattle

  • Olympia

  • Puyallup

  • Federal Way

  • Auburn

  • Gig Harbor

  • Port Orchard

  • And many surrounding areas

Whether you need a few yards for your front beds or 100 yards for a commercial site, we’ve got the trucks, the crew, and the experience to handle it.

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