The need for wood chips and mulch can arise for any number of reasons. Whether you’re doing some landscaping in your yard or are looking for a horse bedding material, you’ll need to find something that is cost-friendly, environmentally conscious, and useful. While many people believe wood chips and bark mulch are the same, there are a few key differences that make them useful in different applications. Before you decide on one, read the guide below.

3 Important Differences Between Wood Chips & Bark Mulch

1. How It’s Made

Bark mulch, as its name suggests, is made from chipping away at the exterior bark of a coniferous plant, like a pine tree or fir. Bark mulch is known to last about 10 years. Wood chips, alternatively, are made from the shredded inside of a tree and will need to be replaced about every five years. 

2. How It Feels​​​​​​

While they are made from similar trees, the final results are vastly different and are used in varying ways. Because of its tough texture, bark mulch is often more useful in places where regular wood chips might slip and slide away from their designated resting area. This type of mulch is lightweight and is often easily moved once it is laid down in a garden or landscape. Wood chips, on the other hand, are generally softer and denser, which make them easy to work with in a garden setting.

3. How It’s Used

Bark mulch is most often found used in general landscaping, especially in hilly or sloped areas. Because of its tough nature and gritty texture, it is less prone to slippage and will stay put no matter where it is placed. Wood chips, on the other hand, are a better option for gardening and flower beds, specifically. Because they are softer, they allow for more filtration and water retention, which will help keep your plants alive and well. 

Landscaping your yard is no easy feat and requires keen insight from those who know what they’re doing. For gardeners in Hallandale, FL, GI Shavings is the go-to shop for wood shavings and farm supplies. This highly educated team processes, shaves, dries, and seals all of their shavings on-site, so no matter what you purchase, you can feel confident it is fresh and pure. For more information on wood chips and how they can be implemented in your yard, visit them online, or call (754) 300-4684.