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What Are the Benefits of Composted Bark Mulch?

Let’s talk about the benefits of composted bark mulch— true game-changers for anyone into gardening or landscaping. Not only does composted bark mulch make your garden look exceptional, but it also works wonders for your soil and plants. Here we’ll explore the benefits of composted bark mulch, and why it’s so important for our Lower Mainland climate. Consider this your all-you-need-to-know resource on composted bark mulch. Here are the topics ahead.

What Is Composted Bark Mulch?

Before we dive into the benefits of composted bark mulch we'll first answer the question, "what is composted bark mulch?" It’s basically tree bark that’s gone through a special composting process to break it down into a dark, nutrient-rich material. This isn’t your typical raw dry-type of bark mulch; the composting process removes any harmful pests, pathogens, and weed seeds. What you get is an earthy, safe, and highly beneficial product for your garden.

How is composted bark mulch made? Think big piles of bark (called windrows) that get regularly turned, watered, and aerated to create the perfect conditions for microbes to work their magic. The result? A sustainable, eco-friendly product that adds the finishing touches to a garden bed and helps plants thrive.

wheel barrow dumping a load of composted bark mulch

Composted bark mulch is made from byproducts of the logging industry, meaning it’s not only good for your plants but also a smart choice for reducing waste. Instead of letting bark go unused, it’s transformed into something valuable and usable. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or shrubs, composted bark mulch can help you create the perfect environment for your plants. Now let's talk about the benefits of composted bark mulch.

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Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Maple Ridge

Why Is Composted Bark Mulch Beneficial For Your Garden?

Composted bark mulch is more than just a decorative touch for your garden beds. Actually there are several ways composted bark mulch can serve your gardens. Let’s break down the benefits of composted bark mulch into specific areas:

Composted Bark Mulch Improves Soil Health

Healthy soil is the foundation of any successful garden. When you add composted bark mulch, you’re essentially giving your soil a superfood. Over time, the mulch breaks down into the soil, enriching it with organic matter and nutrients that encourage root development and plant health.

This is one of the key benefits of composted bark mulch. Nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—all essential for plant growth—are gradually absorbed into the soil, feeding your plants over time. This slow-release feature ensures that your plants have access to consistent nourishment without the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Improved Soil Structure 

Composted bark mulch helps improve soil structure by increasing its organic content. Better soil structure means improved aeration and drainage, which are important for root development. With enhanced soil, plants can absorb nutrients and water more effectively, leading to healthier growth. 

Microbial Activity

Beneath the surface, composted bark mulch fosters an active microbial ecosystem. These guys break down organic matter and transform it into food for your plants. A thriving microbial ecosystem is a big factor contributing to soil health.

Moisture Retention

Watering your garden can be time-consuming. Another benefit of composted bark mulch is that it acts as an insulating layer over your soil, helping it retain moisture and reducing the need for frequent watering. Your plants will still need water during these times, but the mulch will act as a sponge and hold a lot of water instead of it draining away.

Ensure when you do water, that enough water is applied to the area to penetrate the mulch and reach the plant roots.

Reduces Evaporation

Composted bark mulch minimizes water loss due to evaporation. This is particularly useful in the Surrey/Langley summer climate. Soil tends to dry out quickly when its hot. Retaining moisture in the soil means you’ll spend less time and resources on keeping plants watered. When it does rain, the mulch will hold on to the water longer than soil. As heat wave become more common place in our summer months, this benefit of composted bark mulch has become more vital to the survival of garden plants.

Protects Roots from Temperature Extremes

As we know, we can get some pretty cold days in the winter around Surrey and Langley, alongside some pretty hot days in the summer. Temperature fluctuations can stress plant roots. Mulch helps stabilize soil temperatures by keeping it cool during hot summers and warm during chilly winters. This insulation ensures that roots remain in an optimal environment, which is critical for their health and functionality. The last thing you want is your plants dying off because of extreme weather outside of your control.

It Helps Control Weeds

Some may say this benefit of composted bark mulch should be at the top of our list. Atkinson knows that weeds are the bane of every gardener’s existence. They compete with your plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Composted bark mulch works great as a weed deterrent. It's a massive game changer that's near 100% effective when installed correctly..

Blocks Sunlight

A thick layer of mulch acts as a physical barrier, preventing sunlight from reaching the soil. Without sunlight weed seeds can't germinate and grow. The mulch also protects surface roots from drying out in the summer.

Easy Weed Removal

Even if a few weeds manage to sprout through the mulch or germinate in the mulch itself, they are usually easier to remove. The loose texture of the mulch allows for shallow-rooted weeds to be pulled out with minimal effort, saving you time and frustration. Just ensure that your gardens are sufficiently weeded before installing mulch.

Enhances Garden Aesthetics

We wont underestimate the visual appeal of composted bark mulch. Its rich, dark color and uniform texture give your garden a polished exceptional look. The dark hue of composted bark mulch provides a striking contrast to the vibrant greens of foliage and the bright colors of flowers. This is the aesthetic benefit of composted bark mulch. The contrast makes the overall landscape more visually appealing and highlights the beauty of your plants. It makes gardening life easier and will have the neighbours talking.

Defines Pathways and Beds

Mulch is an excellent material for defining garden beds and pathways. Its clean, consistent appearance helps create distinct borders, adding a sense of organization and intentionality to your garden design. This works really well with deep cut natural garden bed edges but delivers great results also with plastic or stone garden edgings.

It’s Environmentally Friendly

Using composted bark mulch is a responsible choice for eco-conscious gardeners. It’s a sustainable product that repurposes waste from the logging industry and reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals for fertilizer or weed management.

Recycles Natural Materials

Rather than discarding tree bark as waste, the composting process transforms it into a valuable resource. This recycling effort not only reduces landfill contributions but also supports a circular economy.

Reduces Chemical Use

By naturally enriching the soil and suppressing weeds, mulch minimizes the need for synthetic fertilizers and herbicides. This reduction in chemical use is better for the environment and creates a safer space for beneficial insects, wildlife and pets.

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Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Maple Ridge

How to Install Composted Bark Mulch?

Ready to take advantage of the benefits of composted bark mulch? Installing composted bark mulch is straightforward, but getting it right can make all the difference. Here’s how to do it:

Atkinson landscaping composted bark mulch surrey bc

Prep Your Garden

Preparation is key. The cleaner your garden bed, the more effective the mulch will be at suppressing weeds and nourishing your soil. Stubborn weeds like dandelions and buttercup will manage their way through a few inches of mulch if they are not properly removed before installation. 

Clear the Area

Before spreading mulch, remove all existing weeds, grass, and debris. This step ensures a clean surface for the mulch to work its magic. We don’t recommend installing landscape fabric down between the soil and the mulch. This prevents a lot of the benefits of composted bark mulch and won’t provide much additional protection from weeds. In the past, fabric was used as an intermediary step when installing traditional types of dry bark mulch. This is no longer a recommended practice when considering composted bark mulch. More on this common misconception later in the tips sections.

Test Your Soil

This is an optional step. Generally it is not required unless there has been an extreme challenge with growing plants in the past. Conduct a soil test to determine its pH and nutrient levels. If necessary, amend the soil with compost or fertilizers before applying mulch. Once the composted bark mulch is installed it will begin adding nutrients and normalizing soil composition. 

Spread the Mulch

Spreading composted bark mulch evenly ensures consistent benefits across your garden. Usually this involves bringing in wheel barrows of fresh mulch and dumping it in piles every so often. These piles are then later raked out so there is an even spread across the mulching area.

Aim for the Right Thickness

A layer that’s 2-4 inches thick is ideal. Thinner layers may not block weeds effectively, while thicker layers can impede water and air from reaching the soil. Striking the right balance is essential for maximizing the mulch’s effectiveness. Atkinson Landscaping always strives for 3” on a fresh composted bark mulch install.

composted bark mulch in piles

Keep Away from Stems and Trunks

When applying mulch, leave a few inches of space around the stems of plants and the trunks of trees. This gap prevents moisture buildup, which could lead to rot or attract pests. You can spread the mulch throughout and then pull it away from the base of the plants manually at the end. Ensure that there is not a buildup of mulch around the plant’s trunk. Plant roots are evolved to have water saturating them, but this is not the case for the trunk of the plant. It will rot the trunk and cause problems.

Water It In

Once your mulch is in place, give it a good watering. This step helps the mulch settle and prevents it from being displaced by wind. Watering also jumpstarts the decomposition process, enabling the mulch to integrate with the soil.

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Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Maple Ridge

How Long Does Composted Bark Mulch Last?

One of the great things about composted bark mulch is its longevity. Depending on factors like climate, application thickness, and personal preference, mulch should last 1-3 years before needing to be topped up.

Natural Decomposition

As the mulch breaks down, it enriches the soil with organic matter and nutrients. This natural decomposition process is a sign that your garden is benefiting from the mulch’s presence. It is also the reason why composted bark mulch won’t last forever. Eventually the composing process finishes and a new layer of mulch should be installed. On a purely nutrients based view, the composted bark mulch should last at least 3 years before needing to be topped up to provide the benefits of nutrients.

composted bark mulched garden

Signs It’s Time to Refresh

When the mulch layer becomes thin or loses its vibrant color, it’s time to add a fresh layer. Regularly topping up your mulch ensures your garden is loving life. You should also fluff up the mulch or churn it each year to maximize its benefits over the long run.

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Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Maple Ridge

Does Composted Bark Mulch Require Maintenance?

While relatively low-maintenance, composted bark mulch still benefits from some occasional care:

Fluff It Up

Over time, mulch can become compacted, which reduces its effectiveness. Use a rake to fluff it up and restore its loose, aerated texture. This also revitalizes its colour. Even doing this once a year makes a big difference.

Weed Patrol

The mulch suppresses most weeds but a few determined ones may still appear. Regularly inspect your garden beds and remove any weeds to prevent them from spreading. Weeds like horsetail and morning glory will still need to be managed manually. Not even thick fabric seems to be able to prevent these weeds. The root systems of horsetail and morning glory can extend underground several feet deep and in all directions. 

raking composted bark mulch to fluff it up

Top It Up

Replenish the mulch every 1-3 years to maintain its thickness and appearance. Adding a fresh layer not only boosts its functionality but also enhances the garden’s aesthetics. You should only need a top up of an inch or so each time. 

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Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Maple Ridge

Additional Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Composted Bark Mulch

Combine with Other Organic Materials

Mix composted bark mulch with other organic materials like aged manure to create a custom blend for your garden. This can boost nutrient levels and improve the overall soil texture.

Choose the Right Type of Mulch

Never go with the cheapest mulch you can find. It is almost guaranteed to have been created improperly and may have inorganic material mixed. Pay a little more for quality material and always be sure to read the company’s Google reviews online before purchasing.

Monitor Moisture Levels

While mulch retains moisture, overwatering can lead to soggy soil and root issues. Check the soil underneath the mulch periodically to ensure it has the right balance of moisture.

Plan Annual Refreshes

Refreshing your mulch layer annually will maintain its top effectiveness. Spring is a great time to add a new layer for the growing season, while fall applications help insulate the soil during colder months.


landscaping tool learning up on a pile of composted bark mulch

Mushrooms

Depending on the season, mushrooms may appear temporarily in the mulch. If you buy from a supplier that moves a lot of volume and with a good reputation, there likely wont be mushroom in their product. Often though once the mulch is installed, local mushroom spores find their way to the mulch and take root. This is the natural process and at least a sign that the mulch is working. Mushrooms break down wood into its base components. These base components are the fertilizer for new plant growth. You can help prevent mushrooms from growing by applying lime to the mulched area. This will lower the acidity level of the soil's pH and inhibit mushroom growth.

Landscape Fabric

Fabric under the mulch is generally not advised. Because composted bark mulch already acts as a weed barrier there is not much of an added benefit to a layer of fabric if the garden area was prepped properly. Landscape fabric serves a purpose under installations such as river rock or dry bark mulch because these materials do not prevent weeds on their own.  

Under composted bark mulch, landscape fabric creates issues. It will interfere with the nutrient breakdown associated with composting process from integrating properly with the soil below.

Fabric can also result in water run off or the mulch sluffing away over time and make for an unsightly garden where areas of fabric becomes visible. It is also more difficult to work in a garden that has a cloth layer only a few inches from the surface.

With these tips and insights, you’re equipped to harness the full potential of composted bark mulch in your garden!

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Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Maple Ridge

How Much Does Composted Bark Mulch Cost to Install?

The cost of installing composted bark mulch depends on whether you DIY or hire professionals. First we’ll break down the DIY option and then look at what it would cost to have the work performed by Atkinson Landscaping.

DIY Costs

Materials

Expect to pay about $50 per cubic yard for composted bark mulch. The price may vary based on the type and quality of mulch. Ensure you use a reputable landscape depot such as Landscape Mart, Site One or Port Kells Nursery (for a few examples), this will ensure your mulch is healthy and properly created. Do your research on your supplier and check their Google Review comments when possible. All will be able to provide delivery options starting at around $200 within the Surrey/Langley area.

Tools

Basic tools like a wheelbarrow, shovel, and rake are essential for spreading mulch. If you don’t already own them, consider the initial investment. You will also need to have the mulch delivered or have a truck/trailer to pick up the mulch. Note there will likely be some disposal fees for getting rid of debris created during the prep work.

Your Time

DIY installation requires effort, especially for larger areas. However, it can save money and provide a sense of accomplishment. As a general rule of thumb consider it to take 3-4 hours to properly prep the garden and install mulch per yard.

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Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Maple Ridge

Atkinson Landscaping - Composted Bark Mulch

Rates may vary depending on the complexity of the project but generally a team of 2 can handle most regular sized properties in a day's work. Expect a budget of $1750 - $2500 that will include everything for prep, materials, installation, dump fees, and cleanup. 

Material and Wages

Atkinson sources our material from reputable landscape depots such as Landscape Mart, Site One, or Port Kells Nursery. We have used these suppliers for years and can vouch for their quality. While there always seems to be some newly opened farm selling cheaper mulch out there, we choose to use the more reputable, long term suppliers. The higher price ensures the quality service we want to deliver. There are also a few unseen wage costs to providing services like this such as, the start of the day tool load up, morning or evening material pickups and dump runs, and end of day tool unloads. We factor the full cost of the day into the services we provide.

Why Choose Atkinson Landscaping?

Don’t feel like doing it yourself? Atkinson Landscaping offers high-quality mulch and experienced installers. Contact us today for a free quote and let us handle the dirty work so you can relax and enjoy your beautiful garden!

Wrapping It Up

Composted bark mulch isn’t just about making your garden look good—it’s a powerhouse for improving soil health, conserving water, and keeping weeds at bay. Whether you tackle the job yourself or choose to hire Atkinson for the project, this natural, eco-friendly solution is worth every penny. Give it a try and watch your garden thrive!

Meet with a Mulch Estimator

Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Maple Ridge