Medium Red Bark

Medium for the size, red for the color. Made from 100% virgin fir and hemlock tree bark native to the northwest. The bark is processed to be 1 1/2" minus in size. Medium bark is the most popular for its wide range of landscaping applications and is the most economical choice.

 

Can be used in: Blower Truck

If you're looking for a mulch that offers a great blend of visual appeal, weed suppression, and long-lasting performance, Medium Red Bark is a top-tier choice. It's one of the most popular landscaping materials for good reason—this bark delivers dependable results for homeowners, landscapers, and property managers alike. At Aardvark Bark, we’re proud to offer high-quality medium red bark that enhances the beauty and health of your landscape naturally and affordably.

In this guide, we’ll cover what Medium Red Bark is, how it's made, why it's so effective, and the many ways you can use it to elevate your outdoor spaces. Whether you're freshening up a garden bed or planning a large-scale commercial installation, this product is an ideal solution.

What Is Medium Red Bark?

Medium Red Bark is made from 100% virgin bark, primarily from fir and hemlock trees native to the Pacific Northwest. The bark is carefully screened to a uniform 1½” minus size, which means the largest pieces are about 1.5 inches, with smaller pieces and fines included. This sizing helps it settle well, lock into place, and create a rich, consistent look across any surface.

The distinctive red-brown color comes naturally from the wood—there are no added dyes or chemicals. It’s a clean, organic material that breaks down slowly over time, enriching your soil while still providing a beautiful finish year-round.

Key Benefits of Medium Red Bark

When you choose Medium Red Bark, you’re not just adding color to your landscape—you’re investing in a material that actively supports soil health, plant growth, and long-term weed control. Here’s what sets it apart:

1. Long-Lasting Color

Medium Red Bark holds its warm, reddish-brown tone well through the seasons. While all organic bark fades naturally with sun and rain exposure, the medium-size texture helps this bark retain its color longer than finer mulches.

2. Effective Weed Suppression

A thick, consistent layer of Medium Red Bark makes it difficult for weeds to break through. It blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds and helps maintain a tidy, low-maintenance appearance.

3. Moisture Retention

This mulch reduces water evaporation by insulating your soil from direct sunlight. It’s a helpful tool for keeping garden beds hydrated during dry months, reducing your reliance on frequent irrigation.

4. Erosion Control

The blend of bark pieces and fines creates a textured surface that stays in place, even on moderate slopes. It’s ideal for erosion control around hillsides, planting beds, and commercial properties with heavy runoff.

5. Temperature Regulation

Medium Red Bark acts like a natural insulating blanket. It keeps soil warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, protecting plant roots from extreme temperature swings.

6. Soil Enrichment

As the bark naturally decomposes over time, it adds organic matter back into the soil. This improves soil structure, promotes beneficial microbial activity, and boosts long-term plant health.

Common Uses for Medium Red Bark

Medium Red Bark is a highly adaptable mulch that works beautifully in many settings—from small residential flower beds to expansive commercial landscapes. Some common uses include:

  • Garden beds and planter boxes

  • Foundation plantings

  • Tree rings and shrub areas

  • Play areas and walking paths (non-play certified)

  • Erosion control zones

  • Commercial medians and streetscapes

  • Large-scale HOA landscaping

  • Public parks and municipal spaces

No matter the scale of your project, Medium Red Bark adds instant polish and practical benefits to your landscape.

Why Medium-Sized Bark?

There are several bark mulch types to choose from—so why go with a medium grind? The answer lies in the balance between aesthetics, performance, and longevity.

  • Better coverage than coarse bark: The fines help fill in gaps, so you get more complete weed suppression.

  • Less blow-away than fine bark: Medium bark has more weight, helping it stay put in wind or heavy rain.

  • Longer-lasting than finer mulch: It breaks down at a slower rate, giving you more time between reapplications.

This combination makes medium bark a go-to solution for both professional landscapers and home gardeners who want reliable results.

Installation Options: Blown or Delivered in Bulk

At Aardvark Bark, we offer two convenient ways to get Medium Red Bark to your site:

Bulk Delivery

We deliver bark in loose bulk loads, dropped at your desired location. This is ideal if you plan to spread it yourself or want to store material for ongoing projects. Make sure to have a tarp or clean surface ready to receive the load.

Blower Installation

Our blower truck service is the ultimate time-saver. We’ll bring the bark and install it directly via long, flexible hoses that allow us to access hard-to-reach areas—hillsides, planter beds, and narrow side yards included. The bark is installed evenly with minimal disruption to your landscape, and we clean up the site afterward.

How Much Bark Do You Need?

One of the most common questions we get is how to calculate the right amount of bark for your space. Here’s a quick formula to help:

  • 1 cubic yard covers approximately:

    • 324 sq ft at 1" deep

    • 162 sq ft at 2" deep

    • 108 sq ft at 3" deep

For best results with Medium Red Bark, we recommend applying it at 2 to 3 inches thick. This provides optimal weed suppression, color coverage, and longevity.

If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help you calculate how much you need. Just let us know the square footage and desired depth, and we’ll do the math.

Environmentally Friendly and Locally Sourced

One of the best parts about choosing Medium Red Bark is knowing it’s an environmentally responsible option. Our bark is sourced from local, sustainably managed forestry operations. It’s a byproduct of lumber milling, meaning it’s not harvested specifically for mulch—it’s a smart use of existing resources that might otherwise go to waste.

Because our bark is 100% natural and chemical-free, it’s safe for use around children, pets, and edible gardens. And since it gradually breaks down into the soil, it supports long-term sustainability in your yard.

Maintenance and Longevity

While Medium Red Bark is low-maintenance, it still benefits from occasional upkeep. Here's how to keep your landscape looking great:

  • Replenish every 12–18 months to maintain a fresh, even look and continue weed suppression.

  • Rake or fluff the top layer periodically to prevent matting and restore the color.

  • Clear leaves and debris to avoid smothering your mulch or introducing unwanted pests.

These small steps help your bark last longer and keep your outdoor space looking neat and professional.

Why Choose Aardvark Bark?

At Aardvark Bark, we’ve built our reputation on delivering quality products with reliable service. Our team is passionate about helping you get the right materials, installed the right way, at the right time. Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or a landscape professional managing a multi-acre site, we’re here to support your success.

  • Decades of experience in the mulch and soil industry

  • Friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to answer your questions

  • Flexible delivery and installation options

  • Clean, consistent product sourced from trusted partners

  • Transparent pricing and honest advice

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