Compost info

Compost Basics: What It Is, How to Use It, and Why Landscape Compost Matters

At Aardvark Bark, we believe compost is one of the unsung heroes in healthy landscaping. Compost isn’t just “dirt” — when you use it well, it improves soil, saves water, boosts plant health, and supports sustainable gardening. Below is everything you need to know about landscape compost — what it is, how to choose good compost, how to use it, and how we deliver it across the Puget Sound.

What Is Compost?

“Compost” refers to decomposed organic material. It’s created naturally (or with human assistance) when plant-based matter – like leaves, grass clippings, branches, twigs, garden trimmings, sometimes small weeds or plant waste – breaks down, yields nutrients, develops beneficial organisms (bacteria, fungi), and stabilizes.

In the Pacific Northwest, our compost often comes from:

Yard waste (grass clippings, branches, leaves) collected from homeowners & landscapers
Vegetative debris from pruning, hedge trimmings, tree clippings
Landscaping project leftovers (weeds, old plants)

Unless it’s a specialty compost blend, most of what we supply does not include animal by-products (manure, food waste, fish scraps), though such blends are available elsewhere. If you want a compost with those materials, just ask.

Why Compost Is Valuable in Landscaping

Using high-quality compost is one of the best investments you can make in your yard. Here are the big benefits:

Improved Soil Structure
Compost helps sandy soil hold nutrients and moisture; it helps clay soil drain better and be lighter to work with.
Better Water Retention
Compost increases the water-holding capacity of soil. That means less frequent watering, especially in dry spells — good news for both plants and your water bill.
Natural Fertility & Nutrients
Compost naturally supplies nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. It supports beneficial microbes that help make nutrients available to plants.
Weed Suppression & Plant Health
A layer of compost helps suppress weeds when used as a top dressing or mixed into soil. It also helps buffer soil pH and improves conditions for roots.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable
Using compost means reusing organic waste rather than sending it to landfills. At Aardvark Bark, we’re proud to support sustainable composting practices in the Puget Sound region.

How Much Compost Do You Need & When To Use It

Knowing how much compost to order and when to apply it can make a big difference.

How Much

If you’re mixing compost into soil (for new beds, vegetable gardens, lawn renovation): aim for about 1–2 inches of compost mixed into the top 4–6 inches of soil.
If you’re topdressing (applying compost over soil surface): a layer ½ to 1 inch thick is usually sufficient.
For larger sites, measure square footage, decide on your application depth, and do the math:

Square feet × depth (inches) ÷ 12 = cubic feet needed
Then convert cubic feet to cubic yards (multiply by 27).

If you tell us the area you need compost for and the depth, we’ll help you estimate a quote.

Best Time to Apply

Spring: Great before planting. Mix compost into beds and soil before the growing season.
Fall: After harvesting or vegetable season, topdress with compost. Let it sit over winter and decompose further to feed soil microbes.
After drought or heat: If soil has become compacted or depleted, compost can help revitalize it.

How To Use Compost Effectively (Landscape / Garden / Lawn)

Here are best practices when using compost in yard & garden work:

Prepare the Soil – Remove weeds, break up compacted soil, till or loosen the top few inches.
Mix compost in thoroughly if you’re planting or redoing soil. For example, blend compost with your existing soil before planting shrubs, trees, or lawns.
Topdress – Once plants are in, spread compost over the soil surface (½ to 1 inch) around plants; avoid burying crowns or trunks.
Combine with bark – Many landscapers use compost under or mixed with bark mulch. The bark layer helps with moisture retention and appearance, while compost feeds the soil underneath.

Compost Delivery & Use in Puget Sound

We deliver compost throughout Washington State’s Puget Sound region, including Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, Puyallup, Kent, Auburn, and surrounding areas. Whether you need a few yards for your garden or many cubic yards for a commercial landscape project, we can get it to you.

We offer:

Bulk compost delivery: Drop it off, you’ll spread it.
Screened and clean compost: Good particle size and free of large debris.

If requested, we can discuss special blends or more refined composts tailored to gardens or sensitive plantings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is compost safe around edible gardens and vegetables?
A: Yes — especially when the compost is well-aged and mature. Use compost in soil mixes, then plant your vegetables. Avoid using fresh (unfinished) compost as a top layer, which could tie up nitrogen temporarily.

Q: Will compost cause odor or attract pests?
A: Mature compost generally doesn’t smell bad or attract pests. The key is using compost that’s fully decomposed (finished) and properly cured.

Q: How often should I add compost?
A: For ongoing soil health, adding compost once or twice per year helps. Mixing in compost when you replant or renovate beds helps keep soil fertile.

Q: What about compost vs. fertilizer?
A: Compost isn’t a substitute for fertilizer when large nutrient boosts are needed, but it supports natural fertility. It releases nutrients slowly and improves overall soil condition, which helps plants make better use of whatever fertilizer you do apply.

Environmental & Sustainable Benefits

Reduces landfill waste – compost uses organic yard trimmings that would otherwise become waste.
Supports soil health – earthworms, microbes, and beneficial fungi thrive.
Helps with carbon sequestration – good organic matter in soil stores carbon and supports ecosystem resilience.

Why Choose Aardvark Bark for Your Compost Needs

At Aardvark Bark, we believe service matters just as much as product quality.

We source compost locally and ensure it’s properly processed and screened.
We deliver compost reliably throughout the Puget Sound area.
We work with landscaping contractors and homeowners alike.
We can help with volume estimates so you don’t over-buy or under-order.