Bark dust, also known as bark mulch or bark chips, is a specialized form of mulch with a variety of uses in landscaping, agriculture, and gardening. It's made from chipped tree bark that is later shredded. If you're considering using bark dust in your next outdoor project, here's what you need to know about it.

Common Uses of Bark Mulch

In most cases, bark dust is a byproduct of the lumber industry, and it's categorized by the source plant and how coarse the finished material is. While coarser forms of bark mulch are used to control weeds and decorate landscaping installations, finer varieties are simply used as mulch. Coarser varieties can also be used as a surface covering for playgrounds.

Typical Composition and Application Methods

Bark dust is regulated based on its composition. According to guidelines by the Mulch and Soil Council, the interior xylem wood content in bark mulch must be 15% or less. Any material that uses the word bark in its name must feature the corky covering on the exterior of trees. If a product's xylem content is more than 15%, it should be considered wood mulch and labeled as such.

Bark dust is typically sold in units. Each unit is equivalent to 200 cubic feet, according to Receiving Helpdesk. Since trucks usually deliver large quantities to a job site, a bark blower is used to spread it. Using a bark blower provides a more consistent application than landscapers could achieve by spreading it by hand, and it makes the process more efficient.

Popular Varieties of Bark Dust

The bark from hemlock or cedar trees is golden-brown in color, while the bark from Douglas fir trees is reddish-brown. Property owners and landscapers often choose a type of bark dust for its color. Since cedar mulch is known to repel insects, according to Bustling Nest, some people use it to finish landscaping installations close to buildings or to create safe playground surfaces.

Useful Properties of Bark Mulch

No matter the source tree, bark mulch has unique properties that improve soil health. According to Statesman Journal, bark mulch is quite acidic, with a pH between 3.5 and 4.5. This makes it useful for bringing soil pH down for plants that thrive in acidic soil. Coarser bark mulch has less of an impact on soil pH than finer bark mulch. Additionally, since bark mulch absorbs and holds water, it can protect plants from heat and prevent excess water evaporation on hot days.

Bark dust can significantly improve the appearance and value of your property. Whether you love the look of bark mulch or simply want to protect your landscaping, reach out to our team at Red Bark Inc. We offer mulch and bark dust blowing services that can beautify and protect your property.