FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much barkdust do I need?
Keep in mind that 1 unit will cover about 1000 square feet at 2” deep. 2 inches is the recommended depth for areas that have a base of barkdust down. If it is the first time you are putting bark down or it has been so long that you can see the roots of your trees and mostly bare dirt, then 3” is ideal to re-establish a base due to the uneven ground that is exposed. 1 unit will cover about 750 square feet at 3” deep. MULCH CALCULATOR
What is the difference between barkdust and mulch?
Mulch is a generic term.
This term describes any organic material that is used as ground covering to insulate plant roots.
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Barkdust is a type of mulch.
It is the most common type of mulch used in the Pacific Northwest. The term "barkdust" simply refers to tree bark that has been ground into smaller pieces containing the dust created by grinding it. In other parts of the country you may find wood mulch, leaf mulch or even cocoa bean shell mulch!
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Another common mulch in our area is recycled composted yard debris. This is made of anything that goes in your compost/yard debris bin and is then composted and ground into a type mulch. It is usually very dark in color or gray-ish and can be very fine in texture. We do not carry this product.
Does your barkdust have weeds in it? Is it sprayed with weed killer? Is it sprayed with pesticides?
Do carpenter ants live in barkdust?
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No!
If you see ants in your newly laid bark, it is because your property already has carpenter ants. These ants eat the white wood of trees, not the bark, but they will rest in barkdust because it is warm. Barkdust does not attract ants.
Do fleas live in barkdust?
No!
Fleas live on animal hosts. They cannot survive in bark dust.
Absolutely not !
We source all of our bark wood products from local mills. We also haul, grind and screen it ourselves, so we know it is purely bark. Our barkdust is made organically from natural bark of Fir and Hemlock trees. See our products page for more information.
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We do not add any chemicals of any kind to any of our products. No weed killers, no pesticides, no artificial dyes. Just 100% organic products.
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If you want to prevent weeds from growing in your yard, it is up to you to use your preferred weed suppression method. If your area is free of weeds prior to bark application, you can expect 2" of bark to suppress weeds for approximately 2-3 months. For longer weed suppression, it will require thicker layers of bark, such as 4" - 6".
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Do you do on-site estimates ? I don’t know how to figure out how much I need.
No, we don't do on-site estimates.
Don't worry, it's fairly simple to do yourself!
You just need a pad of paper, a pencil, and a calculator.
1. Walk around the perimeter of the area(s) you want covered with barkdust to get the measurements
2. If you don't have a measuring tape, it's ok! On average, a person's step is equal to about 2-3 feet
3. For purposes of measuring, organically shaped beds should be treated like squares or rectangles
4. Multiply the length times the width to discover the square footage of the area(s)
5. Add up all the areas to discover the total square footage required
6. Decide the depth you would like the bark blown in at
7. Call us! 503 - 620 - 5555
I’ve never had barkdust blown before. What can I expect?
There are no prices on your website. How much does barkdust cost?
First, you place an order, set an appointment date and pay a 25% deposit. Then we'll call you the day before your appointment date to remind you and give you an approximate time to expect our crew. On the day of your appointment, the crew will call you when they are about 15-30 minutes away from your property. Phone numbers do not display Bark Blowers, so if you do not answer, we will leave a voicemail.
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Bark blowing is loud and dirty, so remember to shut your doors and windows. It would be courteous to inform your neighbors to do the same. Crews are typically 2 people in one truck and they will blow the bark into the areas you have specified.
The more bark placement details you can give when placing your order, the better. On your appointment day, if you choose to, the driver will do a walk through of your property with you. (However, we do not require anyone to be at the property) You can specify and clarify instructions directly with the driver. If, at that time the driver discovers the amount of product you ordered is not sufficient to complete the job, they will tell you. One option will be to reschedule your appointment and order the required amount. Another option is for the crew to blow the bark slightly less than 2" and/or skip some less noticeable areas of your property.
It is also helpful to shut off sprinkler systems the night before your appointment to ensure more efficient and effective clean up, although we do blow bark rain or shine.
Because bark over spray is unavoidable, after the bark has been applied, the crew will come back with backpack blowers to clean up. They will blow bark off of your walkways and lawn etc. and it will be "picture perfect" when done.​
Our pricing varies depending on the product type, product amount and location of service, so give us a call with your zip code for an accurate quote. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay $200.00 - $300.00 more per unit to have products blown straight in versus having those same products delivered in a pile by a dump truck. Again, depending on location, product, and amounts, bark blowing services range from $500.00 - $750.00 per unit. Minimums may be lowered and prices may be less expensive during fall and winter.
Is there anything I need to do after the barkdust is apllied?
Yes!
We highly recommend watering your bark during dryer and warmer days. Barkdust is a composting product and gets very hot. If it is not watered, it can singe the edges of your lawn, leaving a yellow ring around your yard. Right after barkdust and bark products have been applied, you should give it a good soak to cool it off.
How much can my vehicle carry?
SMALL PICK UP:
1 – 1.5 yards of bark
1/2 yard of rock
1/2 TON PICK UP:
1.5 – 2 yards of bark
1/2 yard of rock
3/4 TON PICK UP:
1.2 – 2.5 yards of bark
1 yard of rock
Calculate your material (YARDS)
Disclaimer: This is for estimation purposes only.
Don't hesitate to add a little extra to your length and width given that natural surfaces are never exactly flat.
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We recommend 2" deep for barkdust and river rock.
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We recommend 3" - 6" deep for play chips and pebble bark nuggets.
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Soil depth varies depending on use. We recommend at least 12-18" deep in raised garden/growing beds.
