Bark Dust Facts (courtesy of McFarlane's)

Bark dust is used aesthetically for landscaped areas, such as flower beds and vegetable gardens. The properties of bark dust prohibit weed growth for a short period of time (sometimes as much as two years). Other benefits of bark dust is that it increases nutrient and water uptake by stimulating root growth for healthier plants. Bark dust also insulates and protects the soil from the harsh elements, and helps conserve moisture during the hot summer months to help keep the soil healthy.

There are a few factors you should consider when deciding upon what type of bark to use. First you should consider the exposure the bark will have to the elements such as sun, rain, wind etc. For example, if you are planning to lay bark down in an area that is exposed to high wind, or rain runoff from gutters/natural run off, you should use a coarser bark so it will remain in place. Second, if you have small children, pets, or high foot traffic areas, you may want to consider a bark that will be compatible with these conditions (See product descriptions below for details). The third, final, and most important factor to consider when choosing your bark, is personal preference. If you don't like the way the bark looks, then you won't be happy with the way your yard looks, so pick a bark that is aesthetically pleasing to you!

DESCRIPTIONS of BARK PRODUCTS

*NOTE* Excluding Hemlock, bark products are Douglas Fir.

Super Fine Bark 1/4" to dust, chocolate/auburn brown color.
Consistent size, spreads easily, gives a nice uniform finish.

Regular Fine Bark 5/8" to dust, chocolate/auburn brown color. Consistent size, spreads easily, gives a nice uniform finish. Ingredient in our potting/ soil mixes.

Standard Medium Bark 3/4" to dust, chocolate/auburn brown color. Darker natural look, good for large open areas.

Bright Medium Bark 3/4" to dust, a bright rust orange color. Has a fresh/bright look, good for any size area. One of our most popular bark types.

Medium Hemlock Bark 3/4" to dust, dark reddish/auburn color. Although no bark is completely sliver-less, hemlock is considered the "sliver-less bark," because it does not have the miniscule bark slivers that Douglas Fir bark has. Spreads
easily, good for families with pets, young children, or in high foot traffic areas.

3/4 Course Bark 80% 3/4" to dust, some pieces up to 2". Red/auburn color, good for embankments as the coarser pieces cling to the slope.

Bark Nuggets 1"-3" chunks of bark, reddish/orange color. Good near high traffic areas as the coarse bark is easy to sweep or rake back into place.

Bark Hog Fuel Ranges from fines to kindling size pieces. Used for muddy paths or walkways, riding arenas, or covering for areas that are eye sores, or of least importance.

Cedar Chips 1/2" to 3" chips, blonde in color. Used for playgrounds or under play structures. Child care facilities are required to have a 12" depth under any play structure. Also used for dog runs, pathways, or nature trails.

Sawdust 1/2" minus, blonde in color. Good for animal cages, horse stalls, or for clean-up of spills.