Bark Dust -
The Essential Guide to Barkdust Landscaping

What is bark dust?

Bark dust is a landscaping material composed of small chips and slivers of tree bark. It’s used for a variety of gardening and landscaping purposes, namely layering over soil to protect moisture, regulate temperature and pH levels, and improve the overall design and look of an outdoor space.

One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to spruce up your landscape is by using bark dust. Simply spreading it over the dirt in your garden beds can produce a fresh, finished look. It’s also ideal for areas around play structures or swing sets, since it provides a soft yet durable surface. 

There are some common misconceptions surrounding bark dust. It’s often confused with mulch, wood chips, and other similar types of ground covering used in landscaping. There are also a wide variety of different types of bark dust, each with their own unique appearance, depending on the type of tree the bark comes from.

Mulch vs Bark Dust

While mulch and bark dust serve a similar purpose (improving and preserving the health of soil) there are key differences in terms of how they function and what they’re intended to achieve. 
Bark dust primarily acts as a protective barrier, shielding the soil from the elements, preventing weed growth and erosion, and providing a unique visual effect. While mulch does provide somewhat of a barrier, it is often made from a variety of organic materials including moss, leaves, and manure, and is primarily used as a nutritional additive to nourish the composition of the soil.

Bark Dust vs Wood Chips

Although the two share some similarities, wood chips are different from bark dust. Both are natural materials sourced from trees and both are often used around flower beds, trees, shrubs, and outdoor structures to suppress weeds and improve landscapes. But they’re made in different ways and provide different benefits for your outdoor spaces. 
Bark dust is produced using the bark of softwood trees such as fir, pine, or spruce. It’s found in levels of coarseness ranging from fine shredded particles to larger chips, but it’s always somewhat irregular in terms of shape and size. Wood chips, on the other hand, are made from a variety of hardwood tree species (often oak or maple) and tend to be chunkier and harder in texture and appearance. Although not as decorative as bark dust, there are still many ways to use wood chips in landscaping.

Different Types of Bark Dust

One of the benefits of bark dust is that it comes in an array of colors, tree varieties, and levels of coarseness. Not only does this provide ample opportunities for unique and beautiful landscape designs, but different types of bark and mulch products also accommodate different uses.

1. Fresh Fir Bark Dust

   Fresh fir bark dust is ground to a medium consistency and has a vibrant orange/reddish appearance and soft texture, making it a popular choice in landscape design, particularly for newer gardens.

2. Aged Fir Bark Dust

   As fir bark dust ages and composts over time, it takes on a muted brown shade and becomes rougher to the touch. It’s often reserved for older yards that need gentle restoration.

3. Bright Hemlock Bark Dust

   Bright hemlock is an all-purpose bark dust with a rusted red color. It’s also sliverless, making it perfect for gardens where children and pets play.

4. Dark Hemlock Bark Dust

   Dark hemlock bark dust is also sliverless and can come in a range of colors, from deep red to nearly black, providing a modern and sophisticated appearance.

5. Pine Bark Nuggets

   Pine bark nuggets can come in small or large pieces. They’re long lasting and provide an effective barrier for weed prevention and moisture retention.

6. Cedar Chips

   Cedar chips are sliverless and made out of a variety of cedar barks. They’re especially long-lasting and known for their pleasant aroma.

How Much Bark Do I Need?

When it comes time to add bark dust, mulch, or wood chips to your landscape, every DIYer asks themselves the same question: “How much bark do I need?” 
Without experience, it can be a tricky question to answer, and the last thing you want to do is buy way too much and overspend or way too little and have to make multiple trips to the garden store. Fortunately, there are some tools and tricks to help make figuring out how much you need a little easier.

Bark Calculator 

The amount of bark dust you need depends on the amount of area you’re trying to cover and the level of thickness you want. It can get a little complicated to figure out. 

Fortunately, Barkdusters has a handy online Bark Calculator to make it easy to calculate how much bark dust or compost you need. You only need two numbers: 1) the total project area (in square feet) and 2) your desired level of thickness (in inches).

How thick should my bark dust be?

How thick your layer of bark dust should be is a matter of preference to some degree. But in general, if you want to prevent weed growth, your bark dust layer should be between 3 to 6 inches thick in order to block light from reaching the underlying soil.

Bark Dust FAQ

How much is a unit of barkdust?

A unit of bark dust is 200 cubic feet or approximately 7.4 cubic yards. When you buy bark dust in bags, the average bag only contains about 2 cubic feet.

How much does a yard of bark dust weigh?

Depending on its moisture level, a typical cubic yard of bark dust can weigh anywhere from 400-800 pounds.

How often should bark dust be replaced?

The longevity of your bark dust will depend on the specific material you choose. Some types of bark dust deteriorate more quickly and should be replenished about once a year, while others can easily last up to 5 or 6 years.

Is bark dust bad for dogs?

Some bark dust can be toxic for dogs and cause illness, seizures, and even death. If you have dogs, look for silverless and non-toxic types such as hemlock or cedar, and keep in mind that these can still be a choking or allergy hazard.

What is the difference between mulch and bark dust?

Bark dust is made from tree bark and functions primarily as a protective barrier, while mulch can be made from many materials and adds nutritional value and balance to soil.

What is the purpose of bark dust?

The purpose of bark dust is to add aesthetic beauty to your landscape and help prevent weeds from growing and soil from eroding.

What can I use instead of bark dust?

Instead of bark dust, you can consider using mulch, compost, or wood chips. Other alternatives that offer a unique look include pebbles or mixed shells.

Does bark dust prevent weeds?

Yes! Bark dust prevents sunlight from entering the soil and stops weeds from emerging.

Ready to improve your outdoor space?

At Sunrise Landscape, we’re passionate about creating beautiful landscapes, hardscapes, irrigation systems, and outdoor living spaces. We deliver high-quality, comprehensive landscaping solutions for homeowners in Portland, Oregon, and we never forget about our responsibility to our community and our environment.

Get in touch with our expert landscapers to see how we can help transform your space and create a beautiful yard today!