Larch bark or spruce bark? Choosing mulch for landscaping

Both larch and spruce bark are natural mulch materials, but their visual character and typical fractions differ.

Larch bark

The reddish colour creates a strong contrast with green foliage and works well in representative ornamental areas. Coarse decorative pieces may be combined with a finer base layer.

Spruce bark

Mixed spruce bark is versatile for shrub beds and larger landscape areas. Fine particles close gaps while larger pieces remain visible.

Selection criteria

Choose medium grades for detailed beds and coarser grades for broad visual impact. Correct preparation and sufficient depth are more important than the species name alone.