Barkdust

The Douglas fir and the Western hemlock are the most common sources of barkdust, with cedar bark also being used.

Fine barkdusts are used as mulch, with coarser forms being used for weed control, as a playground surface, or for decorative purposes.

[citation needed] According to voluntary guidelines published by the Mulch and Soil Council, a trade group of mulch and soil producers, a material with "bark" in the name should consist of "the corky exterior covering of trees, with a maximum wood content (interior xylem of 15%)".

[citation needed] As barkdust is less dense than other types of soil or mulch, and doesn't compress a great deal, it is often considerably softer than bare earth.

Use of a bark blower often results in a more consistent application of barkdust than spreading it by hand, as well as being much faster.

[citation needed] Smaller quantities of barkdust, typically 2 to 3 cubic feet (0.057 to 0.085 m3) are sold prepackaged in home improvement and gardening retailers.