Bark Mulch vs Decorative Wood Chippings
- MP Landscape Design
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
When it comes to finishing off garden borders, pathways, or play areas, many of my clients ask about the difference between bark mulch and decorative wood chippings. While they might look similar at first glance, they serve slightly different purposes and each has its own pros and cons. Here’s my breakdown as a garden designer to help you decide what’s best for your outdoor space.
What is Bark Mulch?
Bark mulch is made from shredded or chipped bark, often from pine, spruce, or mixed softwoods. It has a finer texture, breaks down gradually, and is excellent for soil health.
Benefits of Bark Mulch
Retains moisture, meaning plants need less watering.
Suppresses weeds by blocking sunlight.
Improves soil structure as it decomposes.
Regulates soil temperature, keeping roots cool in summer and warmer in winter.
Creates a softer, natural look in planting beds.
Downsides of Bark Mulch
Breaks down within 1–2 years, so it needs topping up.
Can attract slugs and woodlice.
Loses its fresh colour over time.
Not ideal for paths as it shifts easily and decomposes too quickly.
Bark mulch works best in borders, shrub beds, and around trees where its soil-improving qualities are most valuable.
What are Decorative Wood Chippings?
Decorative wood chippings are larger pieces of chipped softwood, sometimes dyed or treated to hold their colour longer. They’re chunkier than mulch, which makes them more durable but less effective at feeding the soil.
Benefits of Decorative Chippings
Long-lasting, making them more cost-effective for certain areas.
Good for paths, play areas, or driveways as they’re chunkier underfoot.
Provide a bold, tidy, uniform appearance.
Require less frequent topping up than mulch.
Downsides of Decorative Chippings
Less effective at weed suppression due to larger gaps.
Don’t improve soil health significantly.
Can blow or wash away in exposed spots.
Dyed chippings may fade after a couple of years.
Decorative chippings are ideal for pathways, play areas, or where a clean, bold finish is needed.
Bark Mulch vs Decorative Wood Chippings: A Direct Comparison
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you decide which option is best for your garden:
Bark Mulch vs Decorative Wood Chippings
Feature | Bark Mulch 🌱 | Decorative Wood Chippings 🌳 |
Soil Improvement | Enriches soil as it breaks down | Does not improve soil |
Moisture Retention | Excellent – keeps roots cool and soil moist | Limited |
Weed Suppression | Very effective | Moderate |
Appearance | Natural, rustic look | Available in colours and more decorative |
Longevity | Breaks down in 2–3 years | Lasts longer, less need to replenish |
Best Use | Planting beds, around specimen trees | Pathways, play areas, decorative borders |
Which Should You Choose?
If your main focus is plant health and soil improvement, bark mulch is the better choice. It enriches the soil, retains moisture, and supports healthy planting. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, decorative option that keeps its appearance for longer, decorative wood chippings are ideal.
In many of my projects, I combine both—using bark mulch in planting borders and decorative wood chippings for paths or feature areas—to balance function and style.
See reviews from my happy clients ➝
Conclusion
Both bark mulch and decorative wood chippings can play an important role in a well-designed garden. Your choice depends on whether you want to prioritise soil health and natural texture (bark mulch) or durability and appearance (wood chippings). As a West Yorkshire garden designer, I always consider the overall design, maintenance needs, and long-term vision for your outdoor space when recommending materials.
Find out more about my garden design services click below.
Bark Mulch vs Decorative Wood Chipping
rk Mulch vs DecorativeWood Ch
Final Thoughts
Both bark mulch and decorative wood chippings can be excellent choices for your garden, but each has its place. If you’re looking to create a low-maintenance garden design that works year-round, I can help plan and build the perfect layout using materials that suit your style, budget, and lifestyle.
