303 SE 2nd St
Benefits of Mulch
People choose to use bark mulch in their landscapes for many different reasons. Bark provides a contrasting color scheme that will enhance the curb appeal of any yard. Not only does bark mulch give trees and other landscape features a finished, uniformed appearance, but it has many other physical benefits as well.
A depth of 2"-3" of bark is recommended in planter beds to provide maximum protection to plants. This is the total depth of both older existing bark and new bark. Check the current depth of existing bark before ordering to help determine how much new bark will be needed.
- Prevents Soil Erosion-
- Prevents Soil Compaction-
- Insulates the Soil-
- Moisture Retention-
- Prevents Weed Growth-
- Amends Soil-
- It's Beautiful!-
*Note-There is such a thing as too much bark. Placing bark too thick or applying every year can cause an anaerobic layer that neither water or oxygen can penetrate. Bark needs time to break down naturally. Allowing too much bark (more than 2") to build up around the base of plants and tree is also advised against. The average application of bark for Central Oregon landscapes is 2"-3" on bare dirt and new landscape installations, then, a 1" maintenance color coat every 2 years after that.
-Happy Growing!
-Happy Growing!
Prevents Soil Erosion
Soil erosion can happen when wind and water erodes away an exposed soils surface and/or removes it completely. Incorporating mulch into your planter beds will help prevent this from happening by providing a new protective layer to absorb the water then slowly dissipate it into the soil. Erosion damage that is caused by flash floods, a broken sprinkler, or rapid snowmelt can be greatly reduced or avoided completely with mulch installed at a proper depth (usually 2"-3"). However, mulch that is too fine, or placed too thin could, in fact, compound the effects of erosion.
Prevents Soil Compaction
Soil compaction
Insulates the Soil
Floral variety in raised planter bed grown in Ecotone© Central Oregon Compost.
Bark mulch will insulate the soil from excessive heat caused by direct exposure to sunlight, and help prevent plant roots from freezing in low temperatures.
Moisture Retention
The bark can reduce the need to constantly irrigate by absorbing water like a sponge and holding it for long periods. Bark will not rapidly dissipate water or dry out quickly as our sandy Central Oregon soil will.
Prevents Weed Growth
While the mulch itself has no chemicals to stop weeds from germinating, when installed at a proper depth, it actually serves as a protective barrier from dropped seeds reaching the soil beneath. In addition, when plants or weeds are buried with bark, weed prevention is achieved by blocking the weeds ability to photosynthesize. All plants need sunlight to live. This is just like leaving something on your lawn for too long, when you look underneath, the grass could be dying or dead.
Amends Soil
The bark will break down, over time which will provide nutrition to the soil below. The decomposing bark is a perfect host for protozoa, nematodes and other beneficial bacteria.
It's Beautiful!
Bark mulch will provide that manicured, finished look that will improve the appearance of any yard. We have a wide spectrum of color choices to compliment any type of landscape. From discrete native restoration to bright orange that will shine all summer, we have it all. We now offer color enhanced products in black and brown that will look fresh 3-4 times longer than natural bark. Please view our photo gallery for some examples of typical results, then check out our products page to pick the bark that's right for you!
