By Tim Barnes, Owner of the Landscape Shoppe
Bark mulch, or bark dust as we call it here in the Pacific Northwest, is one of the most popular and effective ground covers for landscaping in the Willamette Valley. At the Landscape Shoppe, we offer two primary types of bark dust, each sourced from different tree species to suit various needs. These two types are Fir and Hemlock.
- Hemlock Bark: Known for being “sliver free,” is a physically heavier product excellent in areas where children, pets, or people frequent. We stock it in a rich, dark color that provides a natural, elegant look and holds its color well over time.
- Always specify that you want pure hemlock when ordering. Some suppliers blend fir into their hemlock product and market it as hemlock, while selling it at the same or slightly lower costs. Pure hemlock is what provides the superior splinter-free experience that many customers seek.
- Fir Bark: A versatile and widely used option, available in bright red, which is ideal for adding bold contrast to landscapes, and a rich dark shade comparable in color to the dark hemlock. While fir bark contains more slivers than hemlock, it delivers the same soil-enhancing, weed-suppressing, and moisture-retaining performance at a reduced cost.
Unlike fir bark dust, which is a common byproduct of Oregon’s thriving timber industry, hemlock is more of a niche product. For this reason hemlock is more expensive, yet remains a sustainable, locally sourced option that enhances both the beauty and health of garden beds, pathways, and ornamental landscapes.
Besides these two standard bark dusts, the Pacific Northwest has an abundant access to other high-quality bark products, such as: Fir Bark Nuggets and Cedar Wood Chips. All of these natural materials are 100% organic and break down gradually over time, enriching the soil. As they decompose, they foster beneficial microbial activity, and improve soil structure. While on the surface retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and regulating soil temperature — all necessary for healthy plant growth in our variable climate.
Your convenience is a top priority, and we offer multiple ways for you to get the products you need for your lawn, garden, and landscape. Everything can be picked up onsite, and we have staff available to answers questions, and load trucks and trailers. We also provide online shopping for some products, and reliable delivery service directly to your driveway — often on the same day. Whether you’re refreshing existing beds, starting a new project, or simply maintaining a tidy, healthy landscape, bark dust and other bark products from the Landscape Shoppe are an economical, and eco-friendly investment.
Contact us by phone at (503) 391-2833, or by email at info@landscapeshoppe.com to get a quote, information on current pricing, bark products, bulk quantities, and other delivery and order details — we’re happy to help you select the perfect material, calculate quantities, and arrange a prompt delivery!