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  • Writer's pictureBella Terra

The Complete Guide to Choosing and Using Bark Dust for Your Landscaping

Enhancing your landscape's beauty, improving soil health, and maintaining your garden can be effortlessly achieved with one simple solution: bark dust. This versatile material not only beautifies your outdoor spaces but also provides numerous environmental benefits. In this blog, we'll explore the various types of bark dust available, their specific applications, and how to use them effectively in your landscaping projects.


Bark Blowing Bright Fir

Main Purposes of Bark Dust: Bark dust serves several key purposes in landscaping:

  • Aesthetic Enhancement: It gives a polished, cohesive look to garden beds and landscapes.

  • Nutrient Addition: Over time, bark dust decomposes, adding valuable organic matter to the soil, which improves soil structure and fertility.

  • Weed Suppression: A thick layer of bark dust can inhibit the growth of weeds by blocking sunlight.

  • Moisture Retention: It helps the soil retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering and protecting plants during dry spells.


Bark Dust Installation

Types of Bark Dust and Their Uses: At Bella Terra, we offer a wide range of bark products to suit any need:

  • Fir Bark (Fine and Medium Grade): Available in bright and dark colors, this type of bark is ideal for a refined look and works well in flower beds and around shrubs.

  • Walk on Bark: As the name suggests, this durable bark is perfect for pathways and play areas, providing a stable and attractive surface.

  • Sawdust: Great for large areas where cost-effectiveness is key, sawdust can also be used to amend soil in vegetable gardens or large planting areas.

  • Dark Hemlock Bark: Known for its rich, dark color that doesn't fade quickly, this bark is perfect for creating striking contrast in your garden.

  • Cedar Chips: Cedar chips are excellent for areas where insect repellence is desired, such as near outdoor seating areas or play structures.

  • Playground Fibre: Specially designed for safety, this material is ideal for children’s play areas, offering a soft, cushioned surface.

  • Fir Nuggets: Larger and more textured, fir nuggets are suitable for areas where you want a bold, decorative impact and longer-lasting coverage.



Application Tips: To get the most out of your bark dust, consider the following application tips:

  • Quantities: Typically a normal first time install is 3" - 4" Use our Calculator based on your sq ft. to get a price and cubic yards of material. Typically 1"-2" is used for a maintenance touchup.

  • Preparation: Clear the area of weeds and debris before applying bark dust. A layer of landscape fabric can also be used to enhance weed suppression.

  • Application: Using specialized equipment like our bark blowing truck ensures an even and efficient application, covering large areas without the back-breaking work. For harder to reach areas or denser aggregates, our CAD truck and dump truck accompanied by our skid steer, mini excavator, and dingo make applying bark, soil, or even rock quick with precision and ease.

  • Maintenance: Refresh the bark layer annually to maintain its aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.


Bark Blower Truck

Environmental Impact and Availability: Bark dust is an environmentally friendly option that enhances soil health without the use of chemicals. All our products are sustainably sourced, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.


Conclusion: Whether you're looking to create a serene garden pathway, a safe play area for kids, or simply enhance the fertility and appearance of your plant beds, bark dust is a fantastic choice. Visit our website at www.1bellaterra.com to check out our materials and pricing, and schedule your service conveniently online. With the right type of bark and proper application, your landscape can flourish beautifully and sustainably.


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