Mulching is an effective way of enriching a landscape and helping plants grow and thrive. It comes in several varieties, with bark and compost being the most popular. While both are organic materials, they each have different properties that make them appropriate for different applications—namely, whether you're looking to prevent weed growth or nourish the soil. Below, learn more about some of the key factors distinguishing bark and compost for mulching use.

Bark

Bark is the outermost layer of a tree. When used for mulching, the bark is shredded so it can be evenly applied to the top of plant beds. Bark is available in varying degrees of refinement, ranging from very fine shreds to large pieces. The larger the pieces, the longer they will last.

Bark is ideal for blocking sunlight, making it an excellent weed preventative, and it retains moisture extremely well. If your plant beds are located in an overly wet area or a spot prone to flooding, larger bark pieces are less compact than finer shreds, which means they may float away in heavy rain.

Compost

Compost is made up of leftover yard and kitchen waste. It does not typically contain bark, but, rather, leaves, grasses, and other discarded yard matter, as well as organic kitchen rubbish like vegetable and fruit peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds.

Once this waste breaks down, it offers a rich mulching resource that supplies the soil below with a steady stream of nutrients. When it rains, nitrogen and carbon from the decomposed compost wash down further into the soil, essentially recharging and reinvigorating it to help plants flourish. Because compost is already significantly decomposed by the time it reaches the soil, it typically doesn't last as long as bark mulch and may require additional applications.

When you need mulching services in the Altadena, CA, area, visit Pasadena Gardening & Tree Service. For over 25 years, they have been providing quality lawn care and landscape maintenance and design. Their insured and certified technicians offer everything from tree trimming and removal to lawn mowing, fertilizing, and mulching. Call (626) 449-4340 or visit their website to learn more about their services.