Mulch vs. Bark, Which Is Better for Your Yard?
They look similar but they're different. Here's how to choose the right one for your beds.
Mulch and bark dust both look great in a Pacific Northwest yard, but they're not the same product, and they don't do the same job. Choosing the right one starts with knowing what you want from your beds.
Mulch (typically shredded hardwood, sometimes color-enhanced) breaks down into the soil over a season or two, feeding your plants and improving soil structure. It's the better choice if you're actively gardening or want to enrich the bed.
Bark dust (fine, medium, or hemlock) is more about appearance and weed suppression. It holds its color longer, looks crisp for the whole season, and is the classic Pacific Northwest landscape finish.
For most homeowners we recommend bark for ornamental beds where the look matters most, and mulch around vegetable gardens or active planting areas. Either way, two to three inches is the sweet spot, enough to suppress weeds without smothering plants.