When landscaping your property, selecting the right mulch matters. Mulch isn’t just decorative—it protects soil, retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and insulates plant roots during winter. At Skagit Soils, several mulch options are available—including Arborist Mulch / Hogfuel, Playground Chips, Natural Fine Mulch, Beauty Bark / Dark Fine Fir Bark, and blends like 50/50 Mulch. Each serves distinct purposes; knowing which goes where helps you get the most value and performance.

Product Options & Attributes

Arborist Mulch / Hogfuel
This is made from chipped trees, stumps, and large branches. It’s a cost-effective mulch, ideal for large beds, erosion control zones, or under trees and shrubs where fine detail matters less. Skagit Soils lists it at $19.00 per cubic yard (self-haul). Because it is coarser, it breaks down over time and feeds the soil gradually.

Playground Chips
These are premium cedar chips intended for safe, cushioned surfaces such as play areas, garden paths, or dog runs. They are large, consistent, and less likely to splinter. Skagit Soils sells them at $30.00 per cubic yard (self-haul).

Natural Fine Mulch
This is a screened portion (the finer particles) from arborist mulch. It’s excellent for acid-loving plants (e.g. blueberries, rhododendrons) since it breaks down more quickly and helps with softer soil pH. Priced at $22.00 per cubic yard (self-haul).

Dark Fine Fir Bark (Beauty Bark)
Used largely for ornamental beds, this mulch has a rich aesthetic appeal while still delivering functional benefits. It suppresses weeds and helps with moisture retention.

50/50 Mulch
This blend mixes compost mulch and black mulch to give you a softer, intermediate texture. It integrates the nutrient benefits of compost with the look of decorative mulch. Priced at $33.50 per cubic yard for self-haul.

Where to Use Each Mulch: Matching Use Cases

• Large beds and mass plantings: Arborist mulch is economical and effective—great under shrubs, around trees, or in utility beds.
• Playgrounds, paths, and play surfaces: Use Playground Chips for safety and durability.
• Acid-loving plants or fine texture preference: Natural Fine Mulch is gentle, breaks down gracefully, and suits beds that demand softness.
• Ornamental beds, focal features: Use Beauty Bark / Dark Fir Bark for aesthetic appeal plus functional mulch benefits.
• Mixed projects or transitional areas: 50/50Mulch balances nutrient content and appearance.

Seasonal Timing: Fall & Spring Applications

Fall Use
Applying mulch after leaf drop helps insulate soil, suppress weeds before spring, and build organic content. A 2–3 inch layer of your selected mulch over cleared beds preps the soil for winter.

Spring Refresh
After winter weather has displaced some material, refreshing mulch helps retain moisture, prevent weeds, and maintain a tidy presentation. Throwing down a fresh layer in May (once soils warm) helps support plant growth throughout summer.

Tips for Best Results

• Always keep mulch a few inches away from stems and trunks to prevent moisture buildup and rot.
• Single application depths should be 2–3 inches—too thin, and benefits are limited; too thick, and it may impede air flow.
• In sloped or erosion-prone beds, pairing honeycombed Rock or Drain Rockat the base can help with water control.
• For high-value beds (vegetable, perennial gardens), consider combining mulch with compost or biochar-enhanced compost to feed soil year-round.

Selecting the right mulch from Skagit Soils is about more than looks—it’s about function. Whether you want to boost soil, provide safe play surfaces, or highlight your garden aesthetics, the right mulch delivers. With their range of mulches—Arborist, Playground Chips, Natural Fine, Beauty Bark, and 50/50 blends—you have the flexibility to choose the ideal product for each part of your landscape. Apply it with seasonal timing (fall and spring) and thoughtful technique, and your property will look better, perform better, and require less maintenance over time.