Does bark mulch contribute to soil erosion prevention

Bark mulch does more than tidy borders; its layered blanket also shields soil from the forces that strip it away. When raindrops hit bare ground they detonate tiny craters, flinging silt downhill. A five-centimetre cover absorbs that impact, the irregular chips scattering the water in gentle dribbles. Capillary pathways under the mulch let moisture seep rather than sheet, so run-off slows and infiltration rises. The surface stays open, resisting the crust that often forms after heavy showers.

Wind erosion is muted as well. Bark pieces break up air flow near the ground, reducing the tug that lifts dust into suspension. Over weeks, fungi and earthworms knit finer particles around the mulch, binding them into stable aggregates harder to dislodge. On exposed slopes a raking settles chips into pockets, preventing them slipping while still allowing seedlings to emerge. After two or three seasons, much of the bark has mellowed into humus, further anchoring the profile.

AHS LTD recommends refreshing the layer once it compresses below four centimetres; keeping depth constant maintains that protective armour and ensures each shower is filtered, not scouring. In short, bark mulch acts as a living brake against erosion, turning destructive energy into nourishment.