Bark Mulch Calculator
Calculate coverage for pine bark nuggets, cedar bark, shredded bark, cypress, and bark dust. Includes settling adjustments by bark type.
Bark Type Selector - Find the Best Bark for Your Project
Click a use case to see the recommended bark type and key specifications.
Bark Mulch Types Compared
Bark mulch refers to the outer bark layer of trees, processed into various textures for landscaping. Unlike shredded wood mulch (which uses the entire tree), bark mulch is denser, breaks down more slowly, and provides a more refined aesthetic. Here is a complete comparison of bark mulch types:
| Bark Type | Best For | Recommended Depth | Lifespan | Settling | Cost/yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Bark Fine (Bark Dust) | Flower beds, groundcover | 2–3" | 1–2 years | 15–20% | $30–$50 |
| Pine Bark Medium Nuggets | General landscaping | 3–4" | 2–3 years | 10% | $35–$55 |
| Pine Bark Large Nuggets | Pathways, large areas | 3–4" | 3–4 years | 8% | $35–$60 |
| Cedar Bark | Pest-sensitive areas | 2–4" | 2–4 years | 12% | $40–$65 |
| Shredded Hardwood Bark | Slopes, erosion control | 2–3" | 1–2 years | 15% | $25–$45 |
| Cypress Mulch | Moisture-heavy areas | 2–3" | 2–3 years | 12% | $35–$55 |
| Redwood Bark | Premium landscaping | 2–4" | 3–5 years | 10% | $45–$80 |
Pine Bark Nuggets vs Shredded Bark
Pine bark nuggets and shredded hardwood bark are the two most common types sold at retail. Here's how they compare for key performance factors:
- Weed suppression: Both work well at 3+ inches. Shredded bark interlinks for a tighter barrier; nuggets have gaps that allow some weed emergence.
- Water retention: Shredded bark holds moisture better. Nuggets allow rain to penetrate to soil more easily - better for drought-prone plants.
- Wind resistance: Shredded bark stays put better. Large nuggets can blow or roll on slopes.
- Appearance: Nuggets are more decorative and uniform. Shredded bark has a more natural, forest-floor appearance.
- Decomposition: Bark nuggets decompose much more slowly than shredded wood. This means less frequent replacement but also slower soil improvement.
Cedar Bark - Natural Pest Repellent
Cedar bark contains natural oils (cedrene and cedrol) that repel many insects, including moths, ants, fleas, and cockroaches. This makes cedar bark an excellent choice for areas near the home, pet areas, and zones with ant or flea problems. Cedar mulch does not repel all pests - deer, rabbits, and most beetles are not affected. The insect-repelling oils diminish over 1–2 years as the bark dries out and weathers.
How Does Bark Mulch Settling Affect Coverage?
Bark mulch settles 8–20% depending on particle size - finer bark settles more, larger nuggets settle less. This means if you apply 3 inches of fine bark dust, you may end up with 2.4–2.6 inches after a season of rain, foot traffic, and natural compaction. The bark mulch calculator above automatically adds a settling buffer so your order accounts for this loss.
At the standard 3-inch depth: 0.25 cubic feet per square foot. One cubic yard covers approximately 108 square feet at 3 inches. For bark dust at 2 inches: 0.167 cu ft per sq ft (coverage of 162 sq ft per yard). Always add 10–15% for settling.
Bark mulch is generally more durable and longer-lasting than shredded wood mulch. Bark decomposes more slowly, maintains its appearance longer, and tends to retain its color better. However, wood mulch improves soil health faster as it breaks down and adds organic matter. For ornamental beds where appearance matters, bark is preferred. For vegetable gardens and new plantings, wood mulch is often better.
Pine bark nuggets (medium/large) last 2–4 years. Fine bark / bark dust lasts 1–2 years. Cedar and redwood bark last 2–5 years due to their natural decay resistance. Shredded hardwood bark is shortest-lived at 1–2 years. Climate affects longevity significantly- hot, humid climates decompose mulch faster than dry, cool regions.