Highway Fuel FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How much bark should I use?
A: If you’re installing mulch for the first time or haven’t applied it in several years then we recommend 2-3 inches. If you’ve mulched recently 1-2 inches will be sufficient.   

Q: Can I use compost as ground cover mulch instead of bark?
A: Absolutely! Applying compost as a groundcover will slowly add nutrients to your soil, increase microbial activity and improve soil structure. Compost has a very dark brown to black color and contrasts very well behind flowers and other vibrant plants.

Q: How do I break up my clay soil?
A: Compost. Compost. Compost. Clay soils lack organic material, have little aeration, and poor drainage; not an ideal situation for most plants. By adding 3-5 inches of compost and tilling to a depth of 6-8 inches you will improve the structure of the soil. Adding compost as a top dressing in these areas over time will help to maintain that improved structure.

Q: How much material can my truck haul?
A: It depends on the material. One yard of aggregate will weigh around 2,300lbs. and one yard of bark will weigh around 800lbs depending on the moisture content. Soils, barks, and some rock will vary in weight due to moisture. Usually a full size pick-up (one ton) can haul one cubic yard of rock, or 2-3 cubic yards of bark, or 1-2 cubic yards of soil.

Q: What type of rock should I use for my driveway?
A: You want to use something crushed with fines (minus), these products will bind and lock in place, the most common gravel for driveways is a ¾” minus. Stay away from round rock and crushed rock without fines as these products will move and roll around under the weight of vehicle traffic.

Q: How much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
A: We don’t know.

Q: What should I do to prepare for bark to be blown in?
A: Try to get the areas free of weeds, this will help keep them down after the bark is installed. Remove all animal debris, turn off the air conditioner and close windows to prevent dust from entering the house. Grab a chair, a cold drink, sit back and relax, we’ll take care of the rest.

Q: Does Highway Fuel recycle yard debris?
A: We do! You can bring grass clippings, any limbs or branches smaller than 12 inch diameter, leaves, and brush. If it grows, or did grow at one time, we can recycle it, and we’ll even help you unload when you get here.

Q: Which bark has slivers?
A: Typically bark from Douglas Fir trees will have more slivers than Hemlock or Cedar products. Fresh or Dark Hemlock is more commonly used in landscape applications where children or pets may be affected by slivers. This bark is softer and therefore has fewer slivers than Fir.