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If you’re looking to enhance your garden or landscape with a natural, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly material, walk-on bark is an excellent choice. Known for its durability and soft, cushiony feel underfoot, walk-on bark is ideal for pathways, garden beds, and even around trees. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes walk-on bark special, its benefits, and how to use it effectively in your outdoor space.
1. What Is Walk-On Bark?
Walk-on bark is a type of mulch made from larger, durable bark pieces, typically from softwoods like pine or fir. It’s specifically designed for high-traffic areas where people may frequently walk or use it for paths and trails. Walk-on bark is different from fine mulch because it is chunkier and more resilient, making it perfect for areas where both aesthetics and function are important.
2. Benefits of Walk-On Bark
1. Comfort Underfoot
As the name suggests, walk-on bark is designed to be walked on! The bark pieces provide a soft, cushioned surface, making it a great material for garden paths, playgrounds, or any areas where people or pets might roam. It’s also less likely to get muddy or slippery compared to other path materials like gravel.
2. Natural Weed Control
Like other mulches, walk-on bark helps suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating. Its larger pieces also make it harder for weeds to poke through compared to finer mulches, keeping your garden beds and paths looking tidy and weed-free.
3. Long-Lasting and Low Maintenance
Walk-on bark is highly durable and designed to withstand foot traffic, which means it lasts longer than many other types of organic mulch. While it does break down over time, it decomposes at a slower rate due to its larger size. This makes it a low-maintenance option for pathways and landscaping, reducing the need for frequent replenishment.
4. Excellent Drainage
One of the key benefits of walk-on bark is its ability to promote excellent drainage. The chunky texture allows water to pass through easily, preventing puddling and ensuring your pathways or garden beds remain dry. This makes it a great choice for areas that experience heavy rainfall or where good drainage is essential.
5. Eco-Friendly Choice
Walk-on bark is a natural, sustainable product made from tree bark that would otherwise go to waste. Choosing this material supports recycling and reduces environmental impact, making it an eco-friendly option for your garden.
6. Aesthetic Appeal
Walk-on bark adds a beautiful, rustic look to any outdoor space. Its natural tones and chunky texture blend seamlessly into the landscape, giving your paths, borders, and garden beds a polished and cohesive appearance. Whether you’re aiming for a woodland garden look or a simple, natural pathway, walk-on bark can enhance the overall visual appeal of your garden.
3. Best Uses for Walk-On Bark
Walk-on bark is versatile and can be used in a variety of outdoor projects. Here are some of the most common and effective ways to incorporate it into your landscape:
Pathways
Walk-on bark is perfect for creating natural-looking pathways in your garden or yard. Its soft texture makes walking barefoot comfortable, and its excellent drainage properties prevent muddy, slippery surfaces during rainy weather. Lay it between stepping stones or in winding paths through garden beds for a charming and functional walkway.
Play Areas
The cushioned surface of walk-on bark is ideal for play areas where children might be running or playing on the ground. It provides a safe, shock-absorbent surface that’s easy on knees and feet, making it an eco-friendly alternative to rubber mulch.
Garden Beds
Walk-on bark is also a great mulch for large garden beds. Its chunky size prevents it from blowing away in strong winds, and it suppresses weeds effectively while allowing the soil to retain moisture. It also slowly breaks down, adding organic matter to your soil over time.
Tree Rings and Borders
Using walk-on bark around the base of trees not only adds a natural, attractive border but also protects tree roots from temperature extremes and helps retain moisture in the soil. Its larger pieces stay in place better than finer mulches, making it a practical choice for landscaping around trees.
4. How to Install Walk-On Bark
Using walk-on bark in your garden or landscape is easy, but proper installation ensures you get the most benefits from this material. Follow these steps for optimal results:
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Before laying walk-on bark, remove any existing weeds, rocks, or debris from the area. For pathways, you may want to grade or level the surface to ensure an even, flat path.
Step 2: Lay Landscape Fabric (Optional)
For areas where you want extra weed control, lay down a breathable landscape fabric before adding the bark. This will help prevent weeds from emerging through the mulch while allowing water to penetrate the soil.
Step 3: Spread the Bark
Spread the walk-on bark evenly over the area to a depth of about 3-4 inches for pathways or 2-3 inches for garden beds. A thicker layer ensures good weed suppression and provides more cushioning for paths.
Step 4: Maintain the Bark
Over time, the bark will naturally settle and break down. Rake it occasionally to redistribute any displaced pieces and add more bark as needed to maintain the desired depth. For pathways, you may want to check the thickness annually and refresh the bark as necessary.
5. Walk-On Bark vs. Other Mulch Types
You may be wondering how walk-on bark compares to other popular mulch types like shredded wood, gravel, or rubber mulch. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Walk-On Bark vs. Shredded Wood Mulch: Shredded wood mulch is finer and more suitable for garden beds rather than paths. Walk-on bark, with its chunkier pieces, lasts longer in high-traffic areas and provides a more cushioned surface for walking.
- Walk-On Bark vs. Gravel: While gravel is a durable material for pathways, it can be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot and may become displaced easily. Walk-on bark is softer and stays in place better, especially in areas where kids or pets frequent.
- Walk-On Bark vs. Rubber Mulch: Rubber mulch is often used for playgrounds because of its superior cushioning properties, but walk-on bark is a more eco-friendly option for those who prefer natural materials. Rubber mulch also doesn’t break down, whereas walk-on bark will decompose slowly, adding nutrients to the soil.
6. Where to Buy Walk-On Bark
Walk-on bark is available at most garden centers, nurseries, and landscaping supply companies. You can also order it in bulk for larger projects, which is more cost-effective if you need to cover extensive areas. Be sure to select a reliable supplier to ensure you’re getting high-quality, contaminant-free bark.
Final Thoughts
Walk-on bark is a versatile and practical solution for a wide range of landscaping projects. Whether you’re creating natural pathways, mulching around trees, or adding softness to a play area, this durable and eco-friendly mulch enhances both the functionality and beauty of your outdoor space. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to install and maintain walk-on bark effectively, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment of your garden or yard.