Where can I purchase "tanbark" to use as mulch or ground cover?

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Request for Question Clarification by bobbie7-ga on 29 Oct 2002 21:01 PST

Where are you located?

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Clarification of Question by taw-ga on 30 Oct 2002 17:49 PST

I am located in Huntingburg, Indiana.

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Clarification of Question by taw-ga on 04 Nov 2002 06:43 PST

I am located in Huntingburg,Indiana, 47542. I want to purchase several
hundred pounds of the tanbark. I would prefer that the supplier ship
it in bags if possible.

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Request for Question Clarification by darrel-ga on 04 Nov 2002 13:22 PST

You're looking for tanbark oak, right? When I call some garden stores
I get the question... "are you looking for tan pine?"

darrel-ga

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Request for Question Clarification by ericynot-ga on 04 Nov 2002 13:27 PST

Hi taw-ga,

I think I have a source for you, but wondered if you would clarify
exactly what product you want. My understanding of tanbark is that it
may be made from bark of various types of trees (e.g., Mangrove in the
Phillipines), and is used for tanning leather. I'm finding good
sources for bark mulches of cedar, cypress, pine, hardwoods, etc.
There are also colored (dyed) mulches available). Which do you prefer?

Also, can you be more specific about exactly how much you want (200
lbs, 800 lbs, etc.)? Any other details that might help would be
welcome such as, are you in town (for delivery), etc.

As soon as I hear back from you, I'll proceed further.

Thanks.

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Clarification of Question by taw-ga on 06 Nov 2002 18:00 PST

Tanbark is a tree bark [possibly oak] which contains tannin and is
used to tan leather. The spent tanbark may then be used as a ground
cover. It has been used in former times to cover race tracks, circus
rings, amusement park grounds, beer gardens etc. It is the ground
cover or mulch type that I want. I need about 1000 pounds. I have an
old amusement attraction and would like to cover part of the ground
with tanbark. It has a distinct odor which is reminiscent of old
amusement parks. I want it for the smell and am not concerned about
color.
I live in a town where delivery is possible.
I believe that I found a source on the internet but according to their
ad they only deliver locally and I am too far away. Their name is The
Wood Pros. They are located
at[http://www.angelfire.com/pa2/thewoodpros/tanbark2000.htm]

Hi taw-ga,

I don't know if you'll even read this since your question expired
yesterday, but wanted you to know you hadn't been forgotten. I never
did hear anything positive from inquiries I had out, but was referred
to a new person to consult today and will send him an email.

It appears that tankbark is hard to find these days because (1)
tanneries in the U.S. have been closing down due to market conditions,
and (2) the tanbark material is mostly being shipped in to the few
remaining tanneries in a powder form from sources outside the country.

But I've got the name of a guy who has been in the industry for a long
time and I'm going to send him an email. If you're interested, you
could repost the question (what have we got to lose here unless you've
lost interest in the project?) If I get something more, I'll post it
here or look for a new question post.

Thanks again for posting your question - sorry the results to this
point have been less than overwhelming (some questions are difficult
or impossible).

ericynot-ga