We recommend that our customers replenish barkdust every two years in the spring to maintain their shrub beds. This recommendation is typically included in our budget proposal and should be considered an important landscape enhancement.
There is nothing that can have greater impact to sprucing up the appearance of a landscape than a fresh coat of barkdust. There are many benefits to maintaining a sufficient layer of mulch but the greatest is keeping your shrub beds looking fresh and clean.
Benefits of Bark Mulch
- • Mulch reduces soil erosion especially on slopes which is important during our rainy winters.
- • Soil moisture retention is improved with a good mulch layer, reducing irrigation need during our dry summers.
- • Fresh barkdust is weed free and acts as a natural weed barrier. It also improves the effectiveness of chemical pre-emergence.
- • Weeds are hard to control on bare soil or decomposed bark.
Our Recommendations
- • Replenish barkdust every two years for best appearance and functionality.
- • Apply in early spring, after winter pruning and pre-emergence application.
- • Use fresh ground fir mulch as it stays looking fresh longer.
- • Consider composted bark only if darker appearance is strongly preferred.
Types of Bark Mulch
Fresh Fir Bark
- Natural reddish color
- Lasts longer
- Decomposes slowly
- Our recommended choice
- More cost-effective
Composted Bark
- Dark brown/black color
- Shorter lifespan
- Already partially decomposed
- More expensive option
- Preferred by some for appearance
Hemlock Bark
- Rich brown color
- Medium durability
- Finer texture
- Good for ornamental beds
- Alternative option
As mentioned above, we recommend rebarkdusting every two years to maintain the best appearance and positive properties of mulch. The best time to rebarkdust is early spring, after we finish our winter pruning and pre-emergence application.
Our preference is to use fresh ground fir mulch as it stays looking fresh longer. Although some prefer the dark look of composted bark, we discourage it as it is more expensive and does not last as long. The dark color is due to having partly decomposed. Regardless of our preference, we will do either, whichever you prefer.