Pine bark mulch is a type of mulch, or protective cover for the soil, that is derived from the bark of pine trees. It is often used by landscapers and home gardeners as a form of weed control. It is also employed to keep the ground moist because it prevents water from evaporating around plants. This mulch is usually purchased in large bags from a home improvement store or nursery.
The bark of pine trees is chopped into small pieces in order to make this product. This is usually done when an evergreen is harvested for other uses, such as making paper. First, this primary material is removed, and then it is placed into a wood chipper in order to produce the mulch.
This type of mulch may be cut into different sizes. Small pine bark mulch may be around 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) in length. Medium-sized nuggets are normally one to three inches (2.54 to 7.62 cm) in length, while large pieces are anywhere from three to five inches (7.62 to 12.3 cm). Smaller chunks are typically used in tiny areas, such as containers or flowerbeds, while bigger pieces may be ideal for covering large patches of ground.
Pine bark mulch is generally a dark brown color. It may also have a slightly reddish hue, depending on the species of pine tree it was cut from. The pieces are usually very thick and somewhat jagged around the edges. They may be slightly rough on the surface, but can sometimes be smooth as well.
This natural mulch is often a popular choice of landscapers because it helps to control weeds. This is due to the fact that it prevents them from sprouting through the ground. It also tends to keep the soil from drying out, which might mean that plants need to be watered less often when pine bark mulch is placed around them.
When placed in a garden area, pine bark mulch tends to decay slowly. This usually means it does not need to be replaced often. This material is thought to help condition or add nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. It might also raise the acidity of the soil, which can be beneficial for shrubs and many types of flowers, such as rhododendrons.
Pine bark mulch is usually an inexpensive landscape material when compared to other types of ground cover products. Both amateur and professional gardeners typically find it easy to apply. For these reasons, this organic mulch can be a good choice to place around almost any type of plant.