Mulch & bed cover

Bark vs. wood chips vs. stone vs. rubber.

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Shredded bark

$30–$60 / cu yd installed
Lifespan
1–2 years before top-up
Maintenance
Annual top-up
Climate fit
All; decomposes faster in hot/wet
Install time
Hours
Pros
  • Adds nutrients as it decomposes
  • Natural look
  • Easy to spread
Cons
  • Needs annual replenishment
  • Can mat down and repel water
  • Fades to grey

Wood chips

$20–$50 / cu yd installed (free from local arborists)
Lifespan
2–3 years
Maintenance
Bi-annual top-up
Climate fit
All
Install time
Hours
Pros
  • Often free locally
  • Longer-lasting than fine bark
  • Good weed barrier
Cons
  • Bigger pieces less visually refined
  • Can rob nitrogen near roots
  • Can harbor pests if too thick

Stone / pebble mulch

$100–$250 / cu yd installed
Lifespan
10+ years
Maintenance
Very low — occasional weed pull
Climate fit
Best in dry climates; retains heat
Install time
1 day
Pros
  • Doesn't break down
  • Modern look
  • Excellent drainage
Cons
  • Heat retention near plants
  • Doesn't add nutrients
  • Hard to remove if you change your mind

Rubber mulch

$200–$400 / cu yd installed
Lifespan
10–15 years
Maintenance
Very low
Climate fit
All; can heat up in direct sun
Install time
1 day
Pros
  • Doesn't decompose
  • Soft underfoot (play areas)
  • Recycled material
Cons
  • Higher upfront cost
  • Can leach in some conditions
  • Doesn't feed soil

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