For nearly three decades, Lewis Landscape Services has been a trusted name in landscape design and maintenance throughout the Portland, Beaverton, and greater Washington County area. We pride ourselves on creating stunning outdoor spaces that enhance the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. One of the key elements we utilize to achieve a polished and professional look is barkdust. In this region, barkdust is the preferred choice for covering planting beds, providing a clean, finished appearance that complements the vibrant colors of your plants and landscape features.
Barkdust, or mulch, acts as the perfect finishing touch to any landscape project. It not only adds visual appeal but also helps to maintain the health and vitality of your plants. By creating a neat and uniform surface, barkdust gives your planting beds a well-maintained look that enhances the overall curb appeal of your property.
Barkdust offers a multitude of benefits for your landscape. First and foremost, it acts as a natural erosion control, preventing soil from washing away during heavy rains. It also helps to suppress weed growth, reducing the time and effort you need to spend on weeding. Furthermore, barkdust acts as an insulator, protecting your plants’ roots from extreme temperatures.
At Lewis Landscape Services, we primarily recommend and install Dark Hemlock barkdust. This variety is sliverless, making it safe for children and pets. Its rich, chocolate-brown color creates a subtle backdrop that allows your plants and hardscaping to take center stage. Dark Hemlock also retains its color longer than other options, such as Fresh Red Fir, which tends to be brighter and fade more quickly. Additionally, Dark Hemlock has been aged, so it’s already breaking down and providing valuable nutrients to your soil.
Garden mulch, also known simply as mulch, is another popular choice for covering planting beds. Made from recycled yard debris that has been composted and ground into small pieces, mulch offers many of the same benefits as barkdust, such as erosion control and weed suppression.
One of the key advantages of mulch is its nutrient content. Because it’s composed of highly composted organic material, mulch adds a significant amount of nutrients to the soil. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to give their plants an extra boost. However, mulch does have one drawback: its color fades quickly. While it looks vibrant and fresh when first applied, it can lose its color within a week or two, fading to a dull brown that resembles dirt. For this reason, we typically recommend Dark Hemlock barkdust for its long-lasting color and visual appeal. However, we are happy to install whichever product you prefer.
For homeowners seeking a long-lasting, low-maintenance alternative to barkdust or mulch, installing landscape fabric and river rock is becoming an increasingly popular choice. This method involves laying down landscape fabric to suppress weeds and then covering it with a layer of decorative 1-2” size river rock.
Installing a layer of river rock in planting beds offers several advantages. It provides a clean, modern look that complements a variety of landscape styles. It also eliminates the need for regular replenishment, as the rocks won’t decompose or fade like barkdust or mulch. This option is particularly appealing to families with children and pets, as it prevents them from tracking barkdust or mulch into the house.
If you’re interested in exploring this alternative for your landscape beds, Lewis Landscape Services can provide you with a free quote.
on a new paver ratio or outdoor living space? Download out Outdoor elements ROI Guides to find out more.
Our mailing address is: 21500 NW Farm Park Dr. Suite A Hillsboro, OR 97124
Office Phone: 503-524-3679 (Call or Text)
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Winter = 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Summer = 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
To set up an appointment for a free evaluation and free quote, please complete the form below.
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
LCB #8112 CCB# 231440
Portland Metro Lic.# 9303
