All Daltons bark comes from New Zealand Pinus radiata, a renewable by-product of the forestry industry. The difference between the grades is mostly size and texture, and that changes how they look, how long they last and where they work best.
The three grades at a glance
| Product |
Size |
Look |
Best for |
Depth |
| Bark Nuggets No5 |
25–50mm |
Bold, chunky |
Large beds, around trees, bigger landscapes |
75–150mm |
| Ornamental Bark No4 |
15–25mm |
Neat, finer |
Smaller beds, borders, paths |
75–100mm |
| Cambium Bark |
Finely shredded |
Soft, textured |
Vege gardens, strawberries, around smaller plants |
About 100mm |
Bark Nuggets No5 (25–50mm)
The largest grade makes a strong visual statement and suits generous garden beds, specimen trees and commercial landscapes. Bigger pieces break down more slowly, so nuggets generally last longer between top-ups. Because there are larger gaps between pieces, lay them deeper (75–150mm) to block light and keep weeds down.
Ornamental Bark No4 (15–25mm)
A finer, tidier finish that sits better in smaller beds and borders where large nuggets can look out of scale. It packs more closely than No5, so it covers well at 75–100mm, and it's comfortable to walk on, making it a good option for informal garden paths.
Cambium Bark
Cambium is made from the finely shredded layer just beneath the outer bark. It's soft, knits together well and has a natural, textured look. It's ideal around vegetables and strawberries, keeping fruit off the soil, and around smaller plants and groundcovers where chunky nuggets would swamp them. It breaks down faster than nuggets, feeding soil life as it goes, so expect to top it up more often.
Laying bark
- Weed the area thoroughly first. Bark suppresses new weeds but won't kill established perennial weeds.
- Water the soil well if it's dry. Mulch holds moisture in, so start with moist soil.
- Optionally, lay weed mat under nuggets in purely ornamental beds. Skip it in beds you'll plant into often.
- Spread bark evenly to the recommended depth.
- Keep bark a few centimetres clear of plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot.
Why bark is worth it
- Suppresses weeds by blocking light
- Holds moisture in the soil, so you water less over summer
- Keeps soil temperature more even, cooler in summer and warmer in winter
- Reduces erosion and soil splash in heavy rain
- Encourages worms and soil microbes as it slowly breaks down
How much do I need?
At 100mm deep, ½ m³ covers about 5 m². At 75mm it covers about 6.7 m². See How Much Do I Need? for the full coverage table. Plan on a top-up each year, depending on grade and conditions.
Quick answers
Which bark lasts longest? Bark Nuggets No5. Larger pieces break down more slowly.
Is bark good for vegetable gardens? Yes, especially Cambium Bark, which is soft, fine and easy to plant through.
Does bark make soil acidic? Pine bark is mildly acidic, but as a surface mulch its effect on garden soil is small. Acid-loving plants like azaleas, camellias and blueberries love it.
Looking for a shredded mulch for slopes or large areas instead? See Mulch for Slopes and Large Areas.
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