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 bark dust and mulch?
Mulch is a generic term that describes organic materials that are ground up and used as ground covering. Bark dust is a type of mulch and is the most common for the Pacific Northwest. In other parts of the country you may find wood mulch, leaf mulch or even cocoa bean shell mulch! Another common mulch in our area is recycled yard debris. This is made of anything that goes in your yard debris bin and is then composted and ground into a mulch. It is usually very dark in color or gray-ish and can be very fine. We do not carry this product.
Our bark dust is made purely from natural bark of Fir and Hemlock trees. See our products page for more information.
Do you do estimates? I don’t know how to figure out how much I need.
While we don't do on-site estimates, 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 you want covered with barkdust
2. Make rectangular shapes for easiest calculations.
3. One step will equal about 3 feet
4. Multiply your steps by 3 to determine the length or width in feet
5. Multiply the length times the width of the area
6. Add up all the areas of your rectangles and you’ll have a grand total square footage
7. Divide this number by 1000 to find the total units (for 2” depth) or 750 (for 3” depth)
8. Call us! 503-620-5555
I’ve never had barkdust blown before. What can I expect?
After you place your order and pay your deposit, we’ll call you the day before to confirm that we’ll be there and give you an approximate time that you can expect us. On the day, we will come to the property with your order and, if you want to be home, will let you know that we have arrived.
Crews are typically 2 people on one truck and they will blow the bark into the areas you have specified. The more information you can give when placing the order, the better!
Bark blowing is loud and dirty, so we’ll remind you to shut your windows and doors and it would be wise to inform your neighbors to do the same. It is also helpful to shut off any sprinkler systems the night before to ensure effective clean up.
After the bark has been applied, the crew will come back through with backpack blowers to blow any bark that has stuck to the side of the house or blown onto decks or sidewalks back into the proper places.
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If you need more bark dust, our driver will call you to ask what you’d like to do. If they arrive and think that you’ll need more bark dust before they begin the job, they will call you to ask what you’d like to do. Sometimes we can blow it on thinner or skip certain areas that aren’t as noticeable. You are only charged for as much bark as is used.
Does your barkdust have weeds in it?
Because we haul and grind our own barkdust, we know that it is purely bark. We do not add weed killer to the bark or treat it in any way. It is a 100% organic product. So if you want to prevent weeds from growing, it is wise to apply weed killer before laying the bark or put down landscaping cloth to suppress weed growth.
Is there anything I need to do after the barkdust is down?
Yes, in the dryer months we highly recommend watering your bark. A good soak right after it has been laid is best to cool it off. Barkdust is a composting product and it gets very hot. In the summer months, if it is not watered it can singe the edges of your lawn, leaving a yellow ring around your yard. This is not because there are chemicals in the bark, but simply because it is hot.
There are no prices on your website. How much is 1 unit of barkdust?
The prices fluctuate seasonally and depending on how much bark you are ordering. Please call us for current prices.
Do carpenter ants live in barkdust?
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No, but 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.
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.
We recommend 2" depth for barkdust, mulch, and river rock.
We recommend 3-6" deep for play chips.
We recommend at least 12-18" deep for soil mix in raised beds.
