Tanbark comes from a certain species of tree that is traditionally used for tanning hides into leather, hence its namesake. This was used to run bark mills in mediaeval times. Nowadays, most people use the word “tanbark” to refer to any type of wood chip, woody ground cover, or mulch. 

Adding wood chips or mulch to your garden is a great way to help your landscape look more polished while also supplementing the overall health of your trees and plants. Mulch serves many purposes for your commercial or residential property. It helps lock-in moisture, preventing erosion. Mulch can provide essential nutrients to your soil, deter weed growth, and reduce the risk of pests. Mulch also helps regulate the temperature of the root zone and creates more aeration and drainage for the soil beneath it.

With as many benefits as mulch has, there are ways that it could do damage to the plants in your garden. For example, adding more than ten centimetres in depth will throw-off the soil-oxygen exchange that needs to take place at the roots. Mulch can also impact the pH levels of the soil. You can research more about specific soil pH conditions for your plants across your landscape project. Another issue that can arise with improper mulching is piling too much mulch around tree trunks. If mulch is piled too high at the base of the trunk, it can cause decay and become an entry point for fungal growth or insect infestation. Pulling the mulch back a few centimetres away from the trunk is one way to mitigate this issue. 

If you’re unsure of which mulch to use or how to move forward in mulching on your property, reach out to us here at Dynamic Arborist. Our team has served the South Eastern Melbourne area for years. We would be thrilled to come alongside you in whatever your next landscaping project is. Give us a call if you have any inquiries.