Bark mulching in Exeter
Professional bark mulching services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional bark mulching for Exeter gardens. We'll spread quality bark mulch across your borders, suppressing weeds, retaining moisture, and giving your garden a clean, finished look.
Bark mulch is one of those simple things that makes a big difference. Spread it 10cm deep across your borders and you'll have far fewer weeds, plants that need less watering, and beds that look tidy and intentional. It's practical, it works, and it looks good.
Why Mulch With Bark?
Multiple benefits in one job:
- Weed suppression - Blocks light, stops most weeds germinating
- Moisture retention - Keeps soil damp in dry weather, reduces watering
- Soil improvement - Breaks down gradually, adding organic matter
- Temperature regulation - Keeps roots cooler in summer, warmer in winter
- Tidiness - Gives borders a finished, maintained look
In Devon's climate, bare soil in borders gets colonised by weeds within weeks. Bark creates a barrier that keeps them under control with minimal effort.
What's Involved
Clear existing weeds, prepare the surface, optionally lay membrane, then spread bark evenly at the right depth. Takes longer than you'd think to do it properly - you want even coverage without gaps, and you need to keep it away from plant stems (bark against stems encourages rot).
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| Done Right ✅ | Done Wrong ❌ |
|---|---|
| 10cm depth, evenly spread | Thin patches where weeds come through |
| Clear of plant stems and trunks | Piled against plants causing rot |
| Well-defined edges | Bark spilling onto lawn or paths |
| Quality bark that lasts | Cheap bark that's half sawdust |
What You Get
When you book bark mulching with Hembury Contracting:
| What's Included | Details |
|---|---|
| 🔧 Professional spreading | Even coverage, proper depth |
| 🌱 Border preparation | Weeding and leveling first |
| 📏 Edge definition | Clean borders, no spillage |
| 🧹 Site cleanup | Excess bark removed, paths swept |
Plus:
- Option to supply quality bark mulch
- Membrane laying if required
- Advice on depth and coverage
- Can refresh existing bark or start fresh
Pricing Guide
| Service | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spreading only (you supply bark) | £60 | 1 hour labour |
| Small garden (1-2 cubic meters bark) | £85-110 | Including bark supply |
| Medium garden (3-4 cubic meters) | £135-160 | Including bark supply |
| Large garden or membrane included | Quote | Depends on area |
Bark mulch typically costs £50-70 per cubic meter delivered. Labour charged at standard hourly rate.
💡 Pro tip: Mulch in spring after soil has warmed up, or in autumn after you've cut back dead growth. Avoid winter (soil's too cold and wet) and summer (disturbs established plants).
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Your borders are constantly full of weeds ✅ Plants struggle in dry weather ✅ You want a low-maintenance garden ✅ Borders look messy with bare soil showing
Why Choose Us for Bark mulching in Exeter?
Suppresses weeds effectively
Retains soil moisture
Gives borders a finished, tidy look
Improves soil as it breaks down
What to Expect
Step 1: Preparation
We'll clear any existing weeds, remove debris, and level the soil. If you want membrane, we'll lay that first (trimming around existing plants).
Step 2: Bark Spreading
Spread bark evenly across all borders to proper depth (usually 8-10cm). Keep it clear of plant stems, define edges neatly, make sure coverage is consistent.
Step 3: Finishing
Sweep paths and edges clean, remove any excess bark, tidy everything up. Borders looking sharp and weeds on notice.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you're doing it yourself:
🔧 Tools you'll need:
- Wheelbarrow (essential)
- Garden rake for spreading
- Shovel for moving bulk bark
- Gloves (splinters are real)
- Possibly weed membrane and scissors
- Edge trimmer or half-moon for neat borders
📐 Basic steps:
- Clear weeds thoroughly (especially perennials)
- Level soil and remove debris
- Lay membrane if using (cut holes for existing plants)
- Calculate how much bark you need
- Spread bark evenly, 8-10cm deep
- Keep 5cm gap around plant stems
- Define edges neatly
- Water lightly to settle it
⚠️ Common mistakes:
- Not deep enough (weeds come through at 5cm, need 10cm)
- Piling it against plant stems (causes rot and disease)
- Buying cheap bark (half sawdust, washes away in first rain)
- Not preparing surface (weeds grow through from underneath)
💡 Pro trick: Bark mulch works brilliantly but it's not permanent. Budget for topping up every 2-3 years. The breakdown is actually good - it improves your soil. Just rake the old stuff level and add fresh bark on top.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Combine with: Border weeding, garden clearance, planting, general garden maintenance
Related services: Membrane laying, border edging, garden design
Best time: Spring or autumn
Coverage guide: 1 cubic meter covers roughly 10 square meters at 10cm depth
Top-up needed: Every 2-3 years depending on quality and breakdown rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How much bark do I need for my borders?
Rough guide: 1 cubic meter covers about 10 square meters at 10cm depth. We can work it out when we see your borders, or you can measure them and we'll calculate it for you.
Do you supply the bark or do I need to get it?
We can supply it (easier for you) or work with bark you've bought yourself. If we're getting it, we'll source decent quality stuff - there's cheap bark and good bark, makes a difference.
How long does bark mulch last?
Depends on quality and depth. Good bark at 10cm depth lasts 2-3 years before it needs topping up. It breaks down gradually, which is actually good for the soil.
Can you put bark straight onto soil or do you need membrane underneath?
Depends what you want. Bark alone suppresses most weeds but some determined ones come through. Membrane underneath (which we can lay) gives better weed control but makes it harder for plants to spread naturally.
Bark mulching Also Available In:
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