For making a lovely and easy-maintenance yard, homeowners often resort to wood chips for landscaping. They are cheap, stylish, and give the outdoor places finishing touches in a natural way. However, there is normally one question: how long do they actually last?

Here's how it goes step by step, so that you know what's in store before you can place them in your yard.

Why Use Wood Chips for Landscaping?

Wood chips don't just look great. They also have multiple uses:

• Maintain soil cool and damp

• Suppress weeds

• Return nutrients to the soil as they decompose

• Give a soft surface near play areas or garden beds

This is why wood chips for landscaping are a go-to choice for functional and aesthetic projects alike. As all things organic, however, they are not permanent.

What is their Durability?

Wood chips will take an average of 2 to 4 years before any refresh is required. The real-time duration depends on a number of issues:

• Climate – Wood chips decompose faster in hot, humid areas. Dry conditions cause them to last longer.

• Wood type – Hardwood chips will typically last longer than softwood types.

• Placement – Chips placed in heavy-use areas will decompose or disperse faster.

• The thickness of the layer – A 3-4 inch layer tends to last longer and provide an excellent coverage in comparison to a thin spread.

Therefore, when you incorporate them into your flower beds, they will last a couple of years with only slight touch-ups.

‍

Indicators That You Need to Replace or Update

Not sure when to add more? Here are a few easy signs:

• The layer has thinned to less than 2 inches.

• The chips are beginning to appear faded, grey, or blotchy.

• You see more weeds coming through.

• The chips have become more of a soil consistency than actual chips.

When you see these things happening, it's time to put on a new layer on top.

Tips to Make Wood Chips Last Longer

You can prolong their life with some easy tricks:

• Begin with a weed barrier – This will keep weeds under control, so the chips don't have to do quite as much work.

• Put down a thicker layer – 3–4 inches is ideal.

• Rake every now and then – Flipping over the chips will make them appear to be fresher, and also slow down the process of decay.

• Top off annually – Rather than redoing the whole bed, just put down a new thin layer every year.

Comparing Wood Chips to Other Landscaping Materials

If you’re wondering how wood chips stack up against other ground covers, here’s a quick look:

‍

‍

While rocks and gravel last much longer, they don’t offer the same soil benefits as wood chips. On the other hand, wood chips break down and improve your soil, but require more frequent refreshing.

Where Sand and Gravel Fit Into the Picture

Some homeowners like to mix materials for both beauty and durability. For example, using wood chips in garden beds and rocks for pathways creates a balanced look. If you’re in California, finding sand and gravel in San Diego is easy, and combining them with wood chips can give your yard a clean, long-lasting design.

Gravel on the perimeter with wood chips in the center is another popular option. You have the benefit of both: durable ground cover with the natural advantages. And for bigger landscape projects, incorporating sand and gravel San Diego together with wood chips can provide stability and cut maintenance in high-traffic areas.

Why Homeowners Continue to Opt for Wood Chips

Although they don't last as long as stone or rubber mulch, wood chips remain a top choice. Here's why:

• They're affordable.

• They're simple to spread and renew.

• They rot into the ground, enriching it naturally.

• They're pet and child-friendly to play on.

For most people, the advantages make the shorter lifespan worthwhile.

‍

Western Materials: Your Landscaping Material Resource

No matter whether you're using wood chips, rocks, or a combination of both, choosing the right quality is the most important thing. That's where Western Materials enters the picture. We've been providing homeowners and contractors with wood chips, gravel, sand, and decorative products for decades. If you're ready to transform your yard, we'll assist you in getting the best materials at the best price.

FAQs About Wood Chips for Landscaping

1. How long will wood chips for landscaping last?

Wood chips are normally used within 2-4 years. Their lifespan can be lengthened or shortened by climate, rain, sunlight, and the type of wood. Upkeep of regularly raking and refilling prolongs their life.

2. Are wood chips prone to insects or pests?

Wood chips will attract some insects, especially when it has remained wet over a long period of time. But if you use fresh chips and place them far enough from the foundation of your house, the danger should lessen. Other folks also employ bark or treated chips, which few pests find as appealing. 

3. What is the frequency of changing wood chips in my yard?

Replacement or refilling of wood chips takes place once every 1 to 2 years for most homeowners. This keeps the ground cover, improves the appearance, and also gives the soil sufficient moisture.

4. Can I combine wood chips with other landscaping products?

Yes, a lot of individuals mix wood chips with garden mulch, decorative stones, or even sand and gravel in San Diego projects for the layered appearance. Blending materials can enhance function and beauty in your outdoor setting.

Final Thoughts

So, what is the lifespan of wood chips in landscaping? The answer is about 2-4 years. However, through frequent care, tactical layering, and a little annual updating, they can ensure your lawn remains tidy and natural for many years to come.

Wood chips are a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to improving your outdoor space. And when mixed with another alternative like gravel or sand, you can come up with a design for a low-maintenance landscape that is beautiful in the same breath.

Whether you're just beginning or need to complete a partially finished landscape, Western Materials is here to assist you.

‍