Can bark mulch improve clay soil

Clay soil can be a challenge in any garden. Heavy, sticky when wet, and prone to cracking in dry spells, it often feels like an endless battle to make it workable. Bark mulch can help improve these conditions, not by instantly changing the soil type, but by gradually altering its structure over time.

When spread over the surface, bark mulch shields clay from drying out too quickly and stops it from becoming compacted by heavy rain. As the bark slowly breaks down, it adds organic matter into the top layers of the soil. This is crucial because organic material helps clay particles bind less tightly, improving drainage and making the ground easier to dig. Earthworms and other soil life also draw fragments deeper into the soil, which accelerates the improvement process.

The effect is not immediate; it’s something that builds season after season. Consistent mulching can turn heavy, sticky beds into soil that feels far lighter and more workable. It won’t eliminate the natural characteristics of clay, but it will make them far easier to manage. For gardeners wishing to begin this process, AHS LTD provides bark suitable for mulching, supporting healthier soil and better long-term growing conditions.