Tanbark

Tanbark is bark that has been used for the extraction of tannin — a chemical compound used historically in leather tanning — or bark that is marketed for landscape use under this traditional name. In the Pacific Northwest, tanbark is commonly used as a synonym for coarse barkdust, though technically the term has a specific industrial history. Understanding the distinction between tanbark and standard barkdust, and the origins of the tanbark trade, helps landscape professionals communicate accurately about mulch products and their properties. This collection covers the history of tanbark in tanning, species used, the transition to landscape applications, and how tanbark performs compared to fine barkdust in different settings.