Bark is a widely used material in landscaping and gardening, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes for homeowners and professionals. It acts as an effective organic mulch, helping to regulate soil temperature, suppress weed growth, and conserve moisture around plants. Finding the right source for your project depends heavily on the type of bark needed, the quantity required, and your preferred method of transport and delivery. Understanding the logistics of purchasing this material is the first step toward a successful landscaping project.
Understanding Bark Types and Applications
The term “bark” encompasses several distinct products, each with different properties that determine its ideal application. Shredded bark, often sourced from hardwoods or cedar, features long, fibrous pieces that tend to knit together when spread. This interlocking nature makes it particularly effective for use on sloped areas where other mulches might wash away easily during heavy rain or irrigation. Shredded bark is excellent for moisture retention and breaks down relatively quickly, adding organic matter to the soil.
Bark nuggets or chips consist of larger, chunkier pieces, typically pine or fir, which are valued for their decorative look and slow decomposition rate. Because they are larger, these nuggets last longer and require less frequent replenishment compared to shredded varieties. However, the light, uniform pieces can sometimes float or be displaced in areas with significant water runoff.
Fine bark, often sold as soil conditioner or composted bark, has a much smaller, almost soil-like texture. This product is generally used not just as a mulch layer but also as an amendment to improve the physical structure of garden soil. Composted bark is rich in organic matter and, when mixed into heavy clay or poor soils, can significantly enhance drainage and aeration. Choosing the correct bark type is important, as a decorative nugget variety will not provide the same soil conditioning benefits as a fine, composted product.
Purchasing Logistics: Bagged Versus Bulk
Bagged bark, typically sold in 2-cubic-foot units at home improvement and garden centers, is the most convenient option for small-scale projects. The bags are easy to transport in a standard vehicle and simple to carry and distribute to small flower beds or hard-to-reach areas on a property. While convenient, the material in bags is often more expensive per cubic yard than its bulk counterpart, and the plastic packaging creates waste.
Bulk bark is sold by the cubic yard and is the most economical choice for medium to large landscaping jobs. A single cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet of material, which is equivalent to about 13 to 14 standard 2-cubic-foot bags. The cost savings become noticeable when a project requires more than half a cubic yard of material. Bulk orders require either a truck or trailer for pick-up or arranging a delivery service, which may involve a separate delivery fee.
Bulk material quality is often superior, as it is typically sourced directly from a local processor. Bagged mulch, especially color-enhanced varieties, can fade or degrade while stored. For a large area, the efficiency of having a single pile of loose material to spread with a wheelbarrow generally outweighs the labor of opening and disposing of dozens of plastic bags.
Major Retailers and Specialized Sources
Big box stores and home improvement centers are the primary vendors for bagged bark, offering convenience and standardized products like color-enhanced mulch and mini pine nuggets. These retailers frequently run seasonal sales that can make bagged mulch temporarily competitive in price for smaller projects. However, the selection is often limited to a few popular varieties, and they rarely offer loose, bulk material.
Local nurseries and independent garden centers provide a higher quality bagged product and often feature unique or locally-sourced varieties. While they may not have the lowest prices, the staff at these locations are usually more knowledgeable about specific bark types and can offer expert advice for particular soil or plant needs. Nurseries may sell bulk material, but often in smaller quantities or with fewer overall options than a dedicated landscape supply yard.
Landscape supply yards are the best source for loose, bulk bark material. These businesses specialize in high-volume sales and offer the widest selection of bark, including different grinds, wood species, and composted blends. They provide the most competitive pricing per cubic yard and are equipped to handle large deliveries. For niche applications, such as fine-grade fir bark for potting orchids or specific cork bark for terrariums, online specialty suppliers are the definitive source, though these products are almost exclusively sold in small, premium-priced bags.
Quantity Calculation and Delivery Considerations
Accurately calculating the volume of bark needed prevents over-purchasing or running short midway through a project. You can calculate the volume in cubic yards by multiplying the area’s length by its width (in feet), multiplying that by the desired depth (in inches), and then dividing the final number by 324. A depth of two to three inches is generally recommended for weed suppression and moisture retention in established beds, while four inches may be used for new beds or areas with more persistent weeds.
For bulk delivery, several logistical factors must be considered. You must confirm that the delivery truck has clear, safe access to the desired drop-off location, which is typically a driveway or a designated, durable spot. It is recommended to mark the exact drop zone clearly with a tarp or cones to guide the driver, as the large trucks require ample space for maneuvering and dumping the material.
Upon delivery, it is good practice to visually inspect the material for quality, ensuring it matches the type of bark ordered and is free of excessive dirt or debris. If the bark cannot be spread immediately, covering the pile with a tarp will prevent it from becoming waterlogged by rain or blowing away in the wind, helping to maintain its quality until application.