How Long Does Bark Mulch Last?

Tired of weeds taking over your garden or wondering when your bark mulch needs replacing? Bark mulch and wood chippings are an affordable, versatile way to keep weeds and unwanted plants under control, while also helping your outdoor space look neat and well maintained.

But bark mulch doesn’t last forever. In this guide, we explain how long bark mulch and wood chippings typically last, the signs they’re starting to break down and when it’s time to refresh or replace them.

What is bark mulch?

Bark mulch and wooding chippings are usually made from the bark of a spruce or pine tree, mixed in with other parts of organic matter. This process is done by shredding and chopping the bark into small pieces (often with an industrial garden shredder), then adding a small part of composted organic matter to create a nutritious and high-quality end product.

Depending on where you get your bark mulch, it will be graded based on its quality such as British Standard Play Fall Material (BSEN1177) and standard garden bark.

How long does bark mulch last?

As bark mulch and wood chippings are made from organic and natural materials, they will at some point in time deteriorate in health and quality. Gardeners will need to consider two factors when it comes to the ‘life span’ of bark mulch; its practical lifetime and aesthetic lifetime. 

Practical lifetime can be defined as how long the bark mulch will do its job for, and the aesthetic lifetime is how long it looks visually pleasing for. In general gardening terms, bark mulch and wood chippings will have a practical life span of 4 – 7 years and an aesthetic life span of 1 -2 years depending on the levels of usage. 

Does bark mulch go bad?

Some gardeners stay clear of bark mulch and wood chippings due to the misinformation of it being a short term fix in the garden or landscaping project. Bark mulch can last for up to 7 years, but this depends on environmental factors such as; direct sunlight, covering very damp ground etc, so it really does vary on a garden to garden basis.

Although bark mulch and wood chippings won’t go bad in a short space of time, they will decompose over time as it is a natural product. If you want to store a bulk bag of bark mulch for an upcoming project, you need to make sure it’s kept in a cool and dry place as this will help prevent mould and insects. Bad and gone-off mulch can negatively impact plant health and let weeds grow around your garden.

How often should I replace bark mulch and wood chippings?

Bark mulch and wood chippings can visually last for up to 2 years, meaning it’s recommended to replace or refresh the mulch in your garden after a year or so. You won’t need to replace all of the existing mulch as this will gradually decompose into the ground, but all you will need to do is add a top layer of wood chippings and make an even coverage. 

This will not only make the bark mulch look fresh, but it will retain all the nutritional and environmental value the existing mulch provides.

How to Make Bark Mulch Last Longer

Bark mulch naturally breaks down over time, but correct application and regular maintenance can help it last longer.

For most garden beds and borders, apply bark mulch at a depth of around 5–8cm. If the layer is too thin, it may not suppress weeds effectively, while overly deep mulch can retain excess moisture.

Check the area occasionally and rake displaced bark back into place, particularly after heavy rain or regular foot traffic. If the existing mulch is still in good condition, there is usually no need to remove it before topping up with a fresh layer.

Good drainage can also help slow decomposition, as bark mulch may break down more quickly in constantly wet areas. Topping it up when coverage starts to thin will help maintain its appearance and effectiveness for longer.

Where can I buy bark mulch?

Based in Hambledon, Hampshire, we can supply bark mulch for all those who are local to the Portsmouth area and further surrounding towns and cities. Alsoils+ have been servicing domestic and trade customers for over 35 years with the highest quality bark mulch, leaving you safe in the knowledge that we can cater for your needs.

Our bark mulches are both high-quality and affordable for all purposes. With their highly versatile and low maintenance nature, they are the ideal solution for a variety of gardening and landscaping needs.