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Choosing sustainably sourced bark mulch

In today’s environmentally conscious world, the choices we make in our gardens and landscapes are more important than ever. One such choice is the use of sustainable bark mulch, a popular garden product known for its ability to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture and enhance soil health. However, not all mulch is created equally.

The move towards sustainably sourced bark mulch is gaining momentum as gardeners and landscapers become more aware of its environmental impact and benefits. Here’s why and how you should consider sustainably sourced bark mulch for your gardening needs.

For more on responsible use of mulch in your garden, visit How To Mulch .

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What is sustainably sourced bark mulch?

Bark mulch typically comes from the outer covering of tree logs. It is a byproduct of timber processing, used extensively in landscaping. Sustainably sourced bark mulch implies that the wood used is harvested responsibly without depleting resources or causing harm to ecosystems. 

This method involves adhering to strict forestry management practices that ensure the long-term health of forests, such as selective logging and replanting. It also means that the processing of the mulch minimises energy use and pollution.

Close up of Rolawn Landscaping Bark

Why choose sustainably sourced bark mulch?

  1. Environmental protection: Choosing sustainably sourced bark mulch contributes directly to the conservation of forests. Sustainable forestry practices help maintain biodiversity, protect water resources and enhance forest resilience by managing tree density and health more effectively.
  2. Reduced carbon footprint: Forests are vital carbon sinks. By supporting sustainable mulch sourcing you help ensure that these forests continue to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Moreover, sustainable practices reduce waste and often use less energy, further minimising the carbon footprint associated with production and transportation.
  3. Supporting responsible companies: By opting for products from companies that prioritise sustainable practices, you encourage more businesses to consider the environmental impact of their operations. This can lead to broader changes in industry standards, promoting a greater overall move towards sustainability.
  4. Enhanced soil health: Sustainably sourced bark mulch is often of higher quality and free from contaminants such as pesticides and artificial dyes. This means it’s not only better for the environment but also for your garden’s soil health, promoting healthier plant growth.

Watch our How to Apply Bark Mulch video to learn more about best practices for preparing and spreading bark in your garden.

How to choose sustainably sourced bark mulch

  1. Look for certifications: One of the easiest ways to ensure you’re purchasing sustainably sourced bark mulch is to look for official certifications. Labels such as the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certify that the product is sourced from forests that are managed responsibly. These certifications involve rigorous standards and regular audits.
  2. Research the brand: Do some background checks on the brands available. Companies committed to sustainability will often share information about their sourcing practices and environmental initiatives on their websites.
  3. Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask suppliers directly about the origin of their mulch and the sustainability of their practices. A reputable supplier should have clear answers and be transparent about their sourcing.
  4. Consider local options: Choosing locally produced mulch can reduce transportation emissions and support local economies.
  5. Recycled options: Some companies offer mulch made from recycled wood, which can be a great way to reuse materials that would otherwise go to waste. Ensure these products are safe and free from contaminants.

A positive change for your garden and the environment

Making the switch to sustainably sourced bark mulch is a practical step towards a more sustainable gardening practice.

It not only benefits the environment by supporting responsible forest management but also enhances the health of your garden.

As consumers, our choices can drive significant change, promoting environmental sustainability through responsible purchasing decisions. Next time you’re shopping for garden supplies, remember that opting for sustainably sourced bark mulch is a choice that benefits both your garden and the planet.

For more insight into how mulching can improve soil moisture retention and reduce water waste, see our article Mulch Beds to Save Water.

To find suitable sustainable options, see our Play Grade Decorative Bark Chippings Bulk Bag and Landscaping Bark Bulk Bag.

Further guidance

Further lawn care advice can be found in our Information Centre. You can also sign up for lawn tips to receive regular lawn care advice, news and promotional offers by email which will help you get the best from your lawn.

 

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Important update: Temporary 6.5% surcharge effective 7 April 

At Rolawn, we are committed to maintaining the high standards of quality and service our customers expect, so we want to be open with our customers about a change that will affect pricing from Tuesday 7th April. 

This decision has been taken in response to disruption to energy supplies, which has led to significant increases in wholesale prices, affecting not only fuel and fertiliser but also costs throughout our wider supply chain. As a business that relies heavily on fuel for both transport and operations, these sustained cost pressures have become increasingly difficult to absorb.  

While we have worked hard to mitigate the impact, the scale and pace of recent price increases have now exceeded what we can sustain internally, and we therefore need to recover a proportion of these externally driven increases. 

From Tuesday 7th April, a temporary 6.5% surcharge will apply to all products.  

We know that any increase in price is frustrating, particularly at a time when many businesses and households are already feeling under pressure. That is why we want to be clear that this is not a decision we have made lightly, and not one we wanted to make. It has been introduced solely to help offset unavoidable cost inflation and allow us to continue delivering the quality, reliability and service standards associated with Rolawn. 

We will continue to monitor market conditions closely and will review this surcharge as soon as circumstances allow, providing reasonable notice of any changes. We recognise that any price increase is unwelcome, but this step is necessary to ensure the continuity and reliability of our operations during a period of ongoing uncertainty. 

We remain committed to providing the quality, reliability and service standards you expect from Rolawn, and we truly appreciate your understanding and continued support. 

If you have any questions, please contact our customer support team who will be happy to help.