How Much Bark Mulch Do I Need?
Quick Answer
0.75m³ (~0.6 tonnes) for a 10m² area at 75mm depth
Based on: 10m² bed area, 75mm depth, bark mulch bulk density ~0.3–0.4 tonnes/m³
How We Calculated This
- Bed area: 10m²
- Depth: 75mm = 0.075m
- Volume: 10 × 0.075 = 0.75m³
- Weight: 0.75 × 0.35 = ~0.26 tonnes (ornamental bark)
- Or 0.75 × 0.8 = ~0.6 tonnes (play-grade bark)
Recommended Depths
- Weed suppression: 50–75mm minimum
- Moisture retention: 75–100mm
- Play areas (BS EN 1177): 200–300mm depending on fall height
- Paths: 50–75mm on top of membrane
Types of Bark Mulch
- Ornamental bark (fine): 10–30mm chips. Best for borders. Lighter, ~0.3 tonnes/m³
- Ornamental bark (coarse): 30–60mm chips. Longer lasting
- Play-grade bark: Denser, meets safety standards. ~0.5–0.8 tonnes/m³
- Composted bark: Finer, darker. Good soil conditioner
Buying Guide
- Bags (60–100L): £4–£8 each. Good for small areas
- Bulk bags (1m³): £50–£100. Most cost-effective for medium areas
- Loose/tipped: £30–£60/m³. Best value for large areas (minimum order applies)
Maintenance
Bark mulch decomposes over time, typically needing a top-up every 2–3 years. Apply over weed membrane for best weed suppression. Keep bark 50mm away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot.
Last updated: April 2026