Barkdust ~ Bark Mulch ~ Benefits

M. D. Vaden can provide spreading of barkdust. Hemlock or fir. A minimum project will be 7 to 8 cubic yards - roughly 1000 square feet 2" thick, or 2400 square feet 1" thick. Call for an estimate if you are near the SW Portland metro area and suburbs like Beaverton, Tigard, West Linn or Sherwood. For delivery referral, scroll to the bottom of this page.

Benefits of barkdust and mulch can't be overstated.I recall an experience years ago in Beaverton, when we planted 30 Rhododendrons in June or July, under Douglas Fir trees - an area of exposed soil with no compost or mulch.

Although the weather was nearly 80 degrees, all we expected to do was water each day because the area was mostly in the shade. But the topmost foliage of the newly planted shrubs wilted. Finally, we acquired one cubic yard of barkdust and laid a 3' wide circle of that bark around each plant, about 1” deep.

In just one or two days, the leaves perked up like the day of purchase. In one week there was more new growth sprouting.

The clay soil around the planting holes that had been like a brick from lack of moisture, could now be penetrated with a shovel relatively easy. It changed from brick-like to being moist and pliable. The barkdust promoted new plant growth and better soil conditions.

Soil benefits from an organic top layer and garden bark mulch provides that.

Also, bare soil can be compacted by rain drops. Rain can compact the top soil particles and cause more erosion. Barkdust can intercept the impact and protect soil below. This is especially useful for cities near Portland, Beaverton, or Lake Oswego in Oregon, which receive a lot of rain. The city drains in those cities can be spared much of the excess rain runoof water if residents apply mulch. Barkdust is one of the best garden products to help cover soil.

Barkdust reduces compaction from rain, reduces erosion, shades roots, holds moisture, insulates roots and soil from freezing temperatures, and it looks good. Bark is also useful for tree root preservation at construction sites. If thick layers are placed around the drip line of trees, soil compaction is reduced. The presence or absence of barkdust or mulch will frequently make or break the success of newly planted trees and shrubs.

Barkdust and mulch, release compounds that improve the structure of soil - like polysaccharides and glomalin. The result is increased movement of air, moisture and beneficial microorganisms in the ground.

Barkdust Delivery near SW Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Sherwood, Tualatin, Wilsonville, etc.:

Valley Landscape Center: Tualatin, Oregon. Valley Landscape Center serves the greater Portland area. A wide selection of rock, barkdust, boulders, flagstone, topsoil, sand, gravel and landscaping materials. See the map below. Conveniently located along Highway 199 between Tigard and Sherwood. 503-692-0606. You can click & drag this map:

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