Economy Bark mulch offers great value for money as a reliable, budget-friendly ground cover for gardens and landscaping projects. Our blend of wood chip and bark, screened to 15-35mm, delivers…
Our Border Bark chippings deliver outstanding value as an ornamental bark mulch, perfect for budget-conscious landscaping projects where great looks matter too. Sourced from mixed conifers—mainly spruce and pine—these 15-35mm…
Specifications, Inspirational Ideas & DIY Guides
Jump Links
Specifications, Why Professionals & Homeowners Choose, Product Comparison, Landscaping Applications, Inspirational Ideas, DIY Guides, Maintenance, Purchasing Tips, FAQs, Related Products,
Having laid landscaping bark chippings across hundreds of gardens from Devon headlands to bustling London terraces over my 15 years in the trade, I can tell you our budget-friendly range can turn borders into easy to maintain and nutrient rich spaces both Economy Bark and Border Bark, all at the best price around for upgrading large and small areas. The Economy mix contains wood chips, so it is lighter in colour and will decompose a bit slower than the Border Bark, which offers great contrast against plantings owing to its deeper colour. Whether you’re after great value landscape bark for new plantings or to refresh tired spaces, the sections below share exactly what I’ve learned from past installs so you can choose with confidence.
Specifications
Why Professionals & Homeowners Choose Our Landscaping Bark
Our landscaping mulch bark chips create clean, thriving beds that need far less work throughout our UK seasons. From many jobs using these aggregates, here are the standout results:
- Reliable weed suppression – A big community planting scheme in Bristol stayed virtually weed-free for two seasons after spreading Economy Bark over cardboard, saving hours of pulling.
- Excellent moisture retention – Clients report cutting their summer watering by more than half once Border Bark was down, thanks to the way it holds moisture.
- Natural soil enrichment – In a family veg plot near Poole, our Economy Bark broke down steadily and boosted growth without any chemical fertiliser.
- Instant upgrade – A modern border redesign was finished the same day we laid Border Bark, making the new plants stand out.
- Economical Groundcover – With the best prices in the business, you can finish your beds and borders without finishing your off bank balance!
Here are some examples from previous installations:
Landscaping Bark Product Comparison
Border Bark Chippings
Sourced from mixed conifers with a high spruce and pine content, this ornamental bark mulch has a rich dark colour and free-flowing texture that makes borders look instantly great. At 15-35mm it sits beautifully without clumping when dry and smells pleasantly woody when first laid.
- 15-35mm size creates a consistent finish with visual depth
- Deep dark tone that highlights planting schemes beautifully
- Holds moisture and slowly feeds nutrients back into the soil
- Free-flowing and easy to spread even in tricky spots
- Gives a premium ornamental look at an accessible price
- Well suited to acid-loving plants
Economy Bark
This no-fuss blend of woodchip and bark is my first choice whenever budget and scale matter most. Screened to a consistent 15-35mm, it gives a uniform, natural cover that blends into the background while getting on with the job.
- Sizing: 15-35mm, offering even spreading and real value for larger or less-visible areas
- Outstanding cost-effectiveness for commercial or residential
- Great weed suppression that lets air and water reach roots
- Protects soil from compaction and temperature extremes
- Gradually adds organic matter as it matures
- Breaks down slower than the Border Bark
Landscaping Applications
Landscaping bark chips suit almost any planted area where you want to cut weeding and watering while keeping a natural look. They pair especially well with hostas, astilbes, Japanese anemones and heucheras – just about anything – with the brown and dark tones setting off the bold foliage and flowers in most schemes. This range is not suited to high-traffic driveways, steep unedged slopes or areas needing a hard-wearing surface; for those we’d steer you toward our gravel collections instead.
- Shrub and perennial borders – Border Bark for its darker contrast and moisture retention
- New hedge lines and tree circles – Economy Bark as a thick protective layer
- Vegetable and fruit patches – Economy Bark to suppress weeds and improve soil over time
- Woodland-style or shade gardens – Either works, but Border Bark adds richer depth
- Raised beds and containers – Border Bark for a neat finish that won’t blow away in winds
Inspirational Ideas
Unlock the secrets and Dispel the mythsBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview Gardening enthusiasts, whether you’re just starting
Ben Parrot
Estimate Your Garden Needs ConfidentlyBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview Welcome to our online decorative bark calculator page.
Ben Parrot
Are all Natural barks the same?By Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur GeologistOverviewPlay area bark, otherwise known as playground bark,
Ben Parrot
DIY Guides
Introduction Welcome to our blog section delving into the art of landscape gardening with a focus on utilising wood chippings in
Ben Parrot
Play Bark Vs Wooden Play ChipBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur GeologistOverviewChildren’s play areas can be a wondrous
Ben Parrot
A Comprehensive How-To DIY GuideBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview Bark chippings offer a refreshing and natural look
Ben Parrot
Maintenance
Lay landscaping bark over a permeable membrane or thick cardboard layer to maximise weed control from the outset. Give the surface a light rake every spring and after heavy leaf fall to keep it looking fresh. Because it’s organic, expect to top it up every 12-24 months as the top layer breaks down and feeds the soil beneath.
Purchasing Tips
Batches can vary slightly, so it’s best to be prepared for some natural variation. Try to get what you need in the one load. Measure your area in square metres, aim for 5-8cm depth on borders or 3-5cm for vegie patches, and factor in a bit extra for settling and top ups.
FAQs
What is the best depth for landscaping bark chips?
For most beds and borders I lay 3-8 cm of the material – thick enough for solid weed suppression and moisture retention without wasting product.
How long does landscaping bark last before needing a top-up?
In my experience Economy Bark lasts about 12-24 months while Border Bark lasts about 12-18 months before a refresh is needed, depending on the look and goals you are trying to achieve.
What’s the real difference between Economy Bark and Border Bark?
Economy Bark is a lighter coloured woodchip and bark blend ideal for large or hidden areas that is longer lasting. Our Border Bark’s darker conifer content and free-flowing texture suit visible borders where appearance matters more.
Do I need a membrane under landscape bark?
It depends if soil improvement is your aim or weed suppression. But, a good permeable membrane or cardboard underneath doubles the weed-blocking power and stops the chips mixing into the soil too quickly.
Can I use these mulch bark chips in pots and containers?
Absolutely – Border Bark in particular makes a neat top-dressing that retains moisture and looks tidy all season.
Is landscaping bark safe around children and pets?
Yes, both products are clean, screened and free from pests or chemicals – I’ve used them safely in family gardens for years.
Woodchip Mulch
Price range: £110.00 through £275.00 inc. VATHardwood Chips
Price range: £115.00 through £324.00 inc. VATPine Play Bark
Price range: £135.00 through £450.00 inc. VATComposted Bark Fines
Price range: £115.00 through £268.00 inc. VAT
