Uses for peeled tree bark

[Joseph Acquisto]

Finally got by Woodland Mills HM126-14 going and quickly learned I should not have left all those white pine logs stacked (off the ground on 6x6) without peeling them first. Lots of grubs and sadly, worm holes.

So, went ahead and peeled off the bark of the remaining logs to try to prevent further damage and now wondering what to do with the bark, before I just pile it up in a heap where I won't have to look at it any more.

The wider logs seem still useful as structural, the smaller ones, maybe boards for those that like a really rusting look. Holes and all.

 

[Mad Professor]

Bark mulch. Keeps weeds down and releases nutrients when it breaks down . I use that and pine needles on my blueberries.

 

[Joseph Acquisto]

Bark mulch. Keeps weeds down and releases nutrients when it breaks down . I use that and pine needles on my blueberries.

Any suggestions on how to chop it up?

 

[toppers]

2nd the mulch, why chop it up? just lay it around trees as is.

 

[Joseph Acquisto]

2nd the mulch, why chop it up? just lay it around trees as is.

Some pieces are a square foot or so. I could use a shovel, I suppose.

 

[Mad Professor]

Any suggestions on how to chop it up?

wood chipper

 

[Chainsaw Bandito]

If you garden, lay out a small trench, dump them in, and cover. Basically the German "Hugelkultur" method (you can add more wood byproducts than just bark). It provides nutrients for a while and saves additional processing.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hügelkultur

 

[fields_mj]

Depending on what kind of bark, it can make decent kindling for getting a fire started, or for rekindling one that has just about burned out. It basically provides the fire with a fuel that will burn hot and fast to get the temps up which helps get the rest of the fire going. I burn a lot of shagbark and will often peal some of the thin pieces of bark off to save for this purpose. I also till miscellaneous bark into my garden as a source of carbon.

 

[Haywire Haywood]

Kindling for getting your fire started.