Co-Authored By:
Pine bark nuggets come in several different size grades, from “mini” to “jumbo” nuggets. (Soil conditioner is a ground pine bark product smaller than mini-nuggets that can also be used as mulch.) Pine bark is long lasting, and when it does break down it enriches the soil with organic material.
Considering this, how long do pine bark nuggets last?
I've used pine bark nuggets before and was satisfied with them. I think they look nice, and they seem to last a long time. In my garden, I've had them last as long as 3-plus years. I also have very alkaline soil so I would think the nuggets might lower the pH just a little over time.
| Type | Per Foot | Per Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Bark Mulch | $3.44 | $93 |
| Pine Bark | $0.96 | $26 |
| Pine Straw | $1.50 | $40 |
| Playground Mulch | $3.26 | $88 |
Beside this, is pine bark mulch bad for soil?
When used constantly over several years, though, pine bark mulch can change the soil pH and use up nitrogen, affecting the growth of small plants. Additionally, during heavy rainfall, the largest particle sizes of pine bark can be unstable. There's also a small danger of spreading pine wilt via pine bark mulch.
Pine bark mulch attracts subterranean termites—those that live underground. Although the mulch is wood, it is not the mulch's value as a food source that attracts termites: It makes an ideal nesting and tunneling area for them.