Landscaping Bark Range Explained and Compared
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Economy Bark is a wood chip and bark blend that breaks down more slowly, so it goes further on large beds. Border Bark is darker conifer bark for borders on show, and both are 15-35mm mulches that suppress weeds and hold moisture.
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,…
Our Border Bark chippings deliver outstanding value as an ornamental bark mulch, perfect for budget-conscious landscaping projects where great looks matter too.…
Having laid landscaping bark chippings across hundreds of gardens from the South West 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.
- Economy Bark and Border Bark Quick Comparison
- Why Professionals & Homeowners Choose Our Landscaping Bark
- Economy Bark and Border Bark in Detail
- Landscaping Applications
- Inspirational Ideas & DIY Guides
- How to Look After a Landscaping Bark Surface
- What to Check Before Ordering Landscaping Bark
- Landscaping Bark FAQs
- Related Products
Economy Bark and Border Bark Quick Comparison
| Economy Bark | Border Bark | |
|---|---|---|
| Blend | Wood chip and bark | Mixed conifer bark, mainly spruce and pine |
| Colour | Light natural brown that sits back | Rich dark brown that contrasts with planting |
| Breaks down | Slower of the two | Faster of the two |
| Best suited to | Hedge lines, tree circles, veg patches and large or less visible areas | Borders, raised beds and containers that are on show |
| Bag options | 600L, 1,000L, 2,000L, 60 x 60L (3,600L) | 600L, 1,000L, 2,000L, 10 x 60L, 30 x 60L |
| Price inc. VAT | £122 to £282 | £117 to £197 |
| Buy | Economy Bark sizes and prices | Border Bark sizes and prices |
Why Professionals & Homeowners Choose Our Landscaping Bark
Landscaping bark keeps beds tidy with far less work through the year. Here is what it does well:
- Weed suppression: laid over cardboard, it keeps beds close to weed-free for two seasons.
- Moisture retention: it holds water in the soil, so you water far less in summer.
- Soil enrichment: Economy Bark breaks down steadily and feeds the soil without chemical fertiliser.
- Instant finish: a new border looks complete the day the bark goes down.
- Low cost: you can cover beds and borders on a budget.
Economy Bark and Border Bark in Detail
Border Bark
Mixed conifer bark, mainly spruce and pine, with a rich dark colour that makes borders look finished. It spreads easily and sits without clumping. For the same dark look in a chunkier chip, the decorative bark range runs to 30-40mm.
- Deep dark tone that sets off planting
- Holds moisture and slowly feeds the soil
- Free-flowing and easy to spread
- Fine around acid-loving plants – will not acidify the soil
Economy Bark
A no-fuss wood chip and bark blend, and my first choice when budget and scale matter most. It gives an even, natural cover that blends into the background.
- Best value for large or less visible areas
- Suppresses weeds while letting air and water reach roots
- Protects soil from compaction and temperature swings
- Breaks down slower than Border Bark
Landscaping Applications
Landscaping bark suits almost any planted area where you want less weeding and watering, and its brown tones set off hostas, heucheras and most bold foliage. It is not for driveways, steep unedged slopes or hard-wearing areas; for those, my guide to the types of garden gravel will point you at something that takes the traffic.
- Shrub and perennial borders: Border Bark, for darker contrast
- Hedge lines and tree circles: Economy Bark, laid thick
- Veg and fruit patches: Economy Bark, to suppress weeds and feed the soil
- Shade and woodland gardens: either, though Border Bark looks richer
- Raised beds and containers: Border Bark, for a neat finish
Inspirational Ideas & DIY Guides
Every retail grade compared by someone who has used it by the lorry-load, plus two ways to stop you paying
Ben Parrot
Calculate how much bark or woodchip you need in seconds.
Ben Parrot
Every complaint I get about bark mulch, and what actually solves it.
Ben Parrot
How to Look After a Landscaping Bark Surface
Lay it over permeable weed control fabric or thick cardboard for the best weed control. Rake it lightly each spring and after leaf fall, and top it up every 12 to 24 months as it breaks down.
What to Check Before Ordering Landscaping Bark
Batches vary slightly in colour, so order everything in one go. Measure your area, aim for 7.5cm deep on borders or 3-5cm on veg patches, and put the figures into the bark and wood chip calculator, which adds 10 to 20% for settling.
Landscaping Bark FAQs
What is the best depth for landscaping bark chips?
The best depth for landscaping bark chips is 7.5cm on most beds and borders. That is deep enough to stop weeds and hold moisture without wasting bark.
How long does landscaping bark last before needing a top-up?
Landscaping bark needs a top-up every 12 to 24 months for Economy Bark and every 12 to 18 months for Border Bark. Economy lasts longer because the wood chip in the blend breaks down more slowly.
What’s the real difference between Economy Bark and Border Bark?
The real difference between Economy Bark and Border Bark is colour and lifespan. Economy is a lighter wood chip and bark blend that lasts longer on large or hidden areas, while Border is darker conifer bark for borders on show.
Do I need a membrane under landscape bark?
You do not need a membrane under landscape bark, but one gives much better weed control. A permeable membrane or cardboard also stops the bark mixing into the soil too fast, so leave it out only if you want the bark to feed the soil.
Can I use these mulch bark chips in pots and containers?
Mulch bark chips work well in pots and containers as a top-dressing. Border Bark is the better pick, because it looks neat and holds moisture in the compost.
Is landscaping bark safe around children and pets?
Landscaping bark is safe around children and pets in the garden, because both grades are clean, screened and free from pests and chemicals. Neither is a tested play surface, so under swings or a climbing frame use the BS EN 1177 tested play bark range instead.
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Spruce Mini Chip
Price range: £141.00 through £302.00 inc. VAT