Bark Mulch
by John Yazo
Bark mulch is a commercially made product from bark ground off tree logs before they are processed through the lumber mill into boards.They are classified into three grades. The first is chunks, second is granular and the third grade is shredded.
There are many different types of bark mulch you can choose from and from different species of trees. Some mulches are artificially colored and will fade over time.
Bark mulch is organic and will decompose over time. It generally takes a couple years before it breaks down. Adding a new light layer of mulch to refresh it's appearance every year is fine to do as long as you watch the depth of the mulch doesn't get to thick and builds up onto the stems of plants or tree trunks. Letting this happen can cause insect and disease problems with plants. Removing some of the old mulch before adding new will eliminate this from happening. Mulch should only be applied 2 to 3 inches thick.
When using mulch you should add any nutrients that you need to feed your plants before mulching and if the area is already mulched pull back the mulch before feeding the plants. This will allow the nutrients to be absorbed by the plants and not soaked into the mulch.
Fresh ground bark mulch can be toxic to some plants. Commercially bagged bark mulch is usually stockpiled before bagging and have enough time for the toxins to air out. Bark mulches are available at most garden centers.
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