How Does Bark Mulch Work?

5 Sep 2019 Landscape Supplies

Bark mulch is a staple for any garden’s health and growth. There are many types of bark mulch available and each type is designed to work in different ways for different plants, as well as to produce a different aesthetic result. At Valley Carriers, we provide a variety of bark mulches and wood residual products and our experience in the bark mulch industry has made us well aware of how bark mulch works and its various benefits.

How Bark Mulch Works

Bark mulch is made from a variety of different types of bark, leaves, pine needles, and other organic materials that break down and get spread as a thick, natural blanket over the soil of a garden. It has a variety of purposes that all work together to help your garden to grow better. Some of the ways that bark mulch nurtures your yard include:

Retaining Moisture

By providing a barrier between the soil in which your plants are rooted and the open elements, bark mulch can help the soil retain moisture and give your plants time to drink their fill. When water soaks through the bark mulch into the ground below, the bark mulch prevents the water from evaporating and keeps the soil from drying out.

Root Insulation

Similar to how bark mulch helps to provide a barrier between the sun and the soil to retain moisture, it also provides insulation from cold weather. Bark mulch stops snow, ice, and harsh cold from reaching your plants’ roots and helps them to survive the winter in better health.

Releasing Nutrients

As the bark mulch breaks down and decomposes, it releases much-needed nutrients into the ground to feed your plants. After every couple of years, bark mulch should be replaced or added to in order to refresh the nutrients being released.

Weed Suppression

Weaker weeds will be kept from growing by a thick layer of bark mulch. Although stronger weeds that already have good root systems will still grow, bark mulch will prevent your garden from developing a blanket of small, annoying weeds.

If you would like to find out more about how bark mulch works and why it is good for your yard, or if you are interested in any of the bulk materials that we provide or our hauling services, please contact Valley Carriers at 604-853-1075.