Beauty bark is a popular type of organic mulch highly valued for its decorative qualities and uniform, polished look in landscaping. It is a refined, aesthetically focused category of mulch designed to provide both a clean, manicured appearance and practical horticultural benefits. This article explains the composition of beauty bark and details its use in the home landscape.
Defining Beauty Bark
Beauty bark is a commercial term for bark mulch sourced exclusively from the outer layers of coniferous trees, typically Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, or Cedar. It is a natural byproduct of the timber industry. Unlike generic wood chips, which contain both wood and bark, true beauty bark consists only of the bark layer, which is denser and contains fewer easily digestible carbohydrates.
The bark’s composition makes it resistant to rapid decomposition, allowing it to retain its structure and color longer than common wood chips. Its slower decay minimizes the temporary nitrogen depletion that can sometimes affect plant growth. Beauty bark provides a rich, dark color that enhances landscaping and offers a durable, low-maintenance ground cover.
Different Grades and Textures
Beauty bark is commonly available in several grades defined by the size and shape of the bark fragments. These grades include fine, medium, coarse, or nugget form, and the choice affects both the aesthetic result and functional longevity. Fine grades, often referred to as bark fines, offer a highly manicured appearance ideal for smaller flower beds or pathways. Because of their smaller particle size, these fines decompose more quickly, enriching the soil faster but requiring more frequent replenishment.
Medium and coarse grades, including bark nuggets, feature larger, chunkier pieces. These coarser textures lend a more rustic or natural look and are often selected for larger areas where a longer-lasting ground cover is desired. The increased size causes them to break down at a much slower rate, making them effective for use on slopes where resistance to displacement by wind or water is needed.
Practical Application and Function
Proper application of beauty bark maximizes its benefits in the landscape. Before spreading the material, prepare the area by clearing existing weeds and leveling the soil. A final, uniform layer of two to four inches is the recommended depth to achieve effective weed suppression and moisture retention.
Applying the mulch too thickly can inhibit the necessary exchange of oxygen and moisture between the soil and the air. When mulching around trees, create a “mulch doughnut” shape, keeping a clear ring of two to six inches around the trunk. Piling bark directly against the trunk, sometimes called a “mulch volcano,” traps moisture and can lead to rot, disease, and pests. The layer moderates soil temperature, keeping the root zone cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It also significantly reduces water evaporation from the soil surface, lowering the need for frequent watering.
Comparison to Other Mulches
Beauty bark is often compared to other common mulches, such as generic wood chips, shredded cedar, and compost. A primary distinction is longevity and color retention, as beauty bark holds its rich, natural color for multiple seasons, resisting the quick graying or weathering seen in many hardwood chips. Generic wood chips, which contain soft, chipped wood material, typically decompose faster and have a more rustic appearance.
Shredded cedar is valued for its unique aroma and natural pest-repellent properties, but it can sometimes mat together, creating a moisture barrier. Compost is valued for its high nutrient content and rapid soil improvement, but it is not a long-lasting decorative ground cover. Due to the specific sourcing and processing of the pure bark, beauty bark is generally a more expensive option than generic wood chips, representing a premium choice for gardeners prioritizing aesthetics and durability.