Bark spreading in Exeter
Professional bark spreading services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Bark mulch spread evenly around your borders and beds to suppress weeds and give everything a tidy, finished look. Simple job that transforms scruffy borders.
Transform Tired Borders in an Hour
Nothing smartens up a garden faster than fresh bark. Covers the soil, hides the weeds, keeps moisture in, and gives everything that well-maintained look without the faff of constant weeding.
💡 Pro tip: Bark mulch does double duty - looks great AND feeds your soil as it slowly breaks down. Saves you weeding time all season.
Why Proper Spreading Matters
Anyone can dump bark in a border. Even coverage at the right depth is what actually works.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Even 5cm depth across borders | Thin in patches, mountains in others |
| Clear of plant stems and trunks | Piled against stems causing rot |
| Weeds removed first | Weeds growing through new bark |
| Clean edges, no bark on lawn | Bark scattered across grass and paths |
What You Get
🔧 The Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Prep | Quick weed of obvious stuff, debris removed |
| Spread | Even bark layer across all borders and beds |
| Edge | Clean up edges, sweep paths, tidy lawn |
📦 You're Left With
- Professional-looking borders
- Weed growth seriously reduced
- Soil moisture retention improved
- No mess on paths or lawn
Pricing Guide
| Border Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small front garden | 45-60 mins | £60 |
| Average side/back borders | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Large garden borders | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Material costs extra if I'm supplying bark.
Perfect For...
✅ New planting schemes - give new beds that finished look
✅ Weed control - seriously reduces weeding all season
✅ Play areas - bark makes safe, soft ground under swings/climbing frames
✅ Mature borders - refresh tired plantings with fresh mulch
Why Choose Us for Bark spreading in Exeter?
Borders cleared and prepped first
Even depth across the whole area
Edges kept clean and tidy
Suppresses weeds and retains moisture
What to Expect
Step 1: Quick Prep
I'll pull any obvious weeds and remove debris so the bark goes on clean soil. If the borders are absolutely choked with weeds, we might need a proper clearance first.
Step 2: Spread Evenly
Bark goes down in an even 5cm layer across all the borders, kept clear of plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot.
Step 3: Tidy Edges
I'll make sure edges are clean - no bark spilling onto lawn or paths. Quick sweep up and you're done.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fancy doing it yourself? Here's how:
🔧 What you'll need
- Bark mulch (decorative or play grade depending on use)
- Wheelbarrow
- Garden rake
- Stiff brush or leaf blower for cleanup
- Gardening gloves
- Weed membrane (optional, for problem areas)
📐 How much to buy
- Measure your border area in square metres (length × width)
- For 5cm depth: 5-6 bags of bark per square metre
- Buy an extra couple of bags - you always need more than you think
🌿 The process
- Clear obvious weeds and debris first
- If using weed membrane, lay it and cut crosses for existing plants
- Barrow the bark to different spots around the garden
- Spread evenly with a rake to about 5cm depth
- Keep bark clear (2-3cm gap) from plant stems and tree trunks
- Use your hand to create neat edges along lawns
- Sweep paths and edges clean
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Too thin a layer - needs 5cm minimum to suppress weeds effectively
- Bark piled against plant stems or tree trunks - causes rot
- Not clearing perennial weeds first - they'll grow straight through
- Using play bark for borders (too fine) or ornamental bark for play areas (too chunky)
💡 Pro trick: Water the borders BEFORE spreading bark - gets moisture in the soil and bark holds it there. Trying to water after is difficult.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌱 Best timing: Spring or autumn. Spring helps lock moisture in for summer. Autumn protects roots over winter and suppresses early weeds.
Multiple areas? Front garden, back borders, side passage - get it all done at once. I'm already set up with the barrow.
Type of bark? Ornamental bark for borders (looks better, lasts longer). Play bark for under swings and slides (softer, safer). Fine-grade for neat borders, chunkier grade for woodland areas.
Round trees? Bark looks great around specimen trees - but keep it well clear of the trunk. A neat circle of bark around a tree instantly lifts your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much bark will I need for my borders?
As a rough guide, you need about 5-6 bags per square metre for a decent 5cm depth. I can estimate for you based on your border size, or work with whatever you've already bought.
Do I need to provide the bark?
Either way works. If you've bought it already, brilliant. If not, I can pick it up from the merchant or garden centre - just add the cost of materials to the labour price.
Should I weed the borders first?
If there's loads of weeds, it's worth clearing them first - even a thick bark layer won't stop established perennial weeds. Light annual weeds, I'll sort as I go.
How long does bark mulch last?
Usually 2-3 years before it starts looking thin and needs topping up. It gradually breaks down and improves your soil, which is actually a bonus. Cheaper bark degrades faster than quality stuff.
Will bark damage my plants?
No - I keep it clear of plant stems and trunks (bark piled against stems can cause rot). A 5cm layer around borders is ideal and actually helps your plants by keeping roots cool and moist.
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