Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premium Landscaping Materials & Recycling Services
Founded in 1932, McFarlane's Bark has grown from a small sawdust delivery service into a fourth-generation family business specializing in landscaping products and yard debris recycling. Our commitment to quality began with Clara and Fred McFarlane's vision to provide fresh sawdust for home heating, evolving into a comprehensive offering of barks, composts, and soil blends. Over 90 years of continuous operation have allowed us to develop specialized products like Compo-Stuff through collaboration with agricultural experts and institutions. We maintain two full-service locations in Milwaukie, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, serving both residential and commercial clients. Our on-site recycling centers process approximately 125,000 cubic yards of green waste annually, demonstrating our environmental stewardship.The business has expanded through five generations, with family members actively involved in daily operations and product development. We offer delivery services for bulk materials, portable grinding, and screening equipment rentals for large-scale projects. Our expertise in composting dates back to the 1960s when we pioneered commercial yard debris recycling in Portland. The Vancouver yard opened in 1983 to better serve southwest Washington customers. Today, we continue to combine traditional values with modern sustainability practices, maintaining our reputation as a trusted local resource for landscaping materials and waste management solutions.
Services
Bark Products
Compost Sales
Yard Debris Recycling
Bulk Material Delivery
Portable Grinding Services
Details
- Year established: 1932
Highlights and features
- We have over 90 years of continuous operation in the landscaping industry
- Our family-owned business maintains generational expertise and personal service
- We operate on-site recycling centers processing 125,000+ cubic yards of green waste annually
- We offer free coarse compost at our Milwaukie location with delivery options
- We provide specialized equipment rentals for large-scale land clearing projects
What people say
Great compost products
Family business atmosphere
Convenient recycling services
Quality bark materials
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Bulk Material Delivery
We deliver bark, compost, rock, and soil products directly to residential and commercial sites. Our fleet accommodates orders starting at 1 cubic yard with options for multiple product deliveries. Vehicles vary in size to ensure efficient transport while minimizing property impact. Delivery pricing depends on location, volume, and material type.
Yard Debris Recycling
Our on-site recycling centers accept branches, leaves, grass, chips, weeds, sod, and thatch. We process approximately 125,000 cubic yards annually through composting systems developed over decades. This environmentally responsible service helps divert organic waste from landfills while creating valuable soil amendments for regional gardeners and landscapers.
Portable Grinding Services
We provide on-site grinding for wood waste, vegetation, and construction debris using specialized equipment. Our portable grinder measures 43 feet long and 10 feet 2 inches wide, capable of processing stumps and large vegetation. The service includes material processing and optional hauling away of residuals, ideal for large land clearing or construction projects.
Compost Products
We offer various compost products including our signature Compo-Stuff blend. Our fine compost is available at both locations, with free coarse compost at Milwaukie while supplies last. These products improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient content for gardens, lawns, and landscaping projects throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Screening Services
Our portable screening equipment removes unwanted materials from soil and organic matter at customer sites. The system separates debris to specified particle sizes, producing clean, usable material for landscaping and construction applications. This service works in conjunction with our grinding and recycling operations for comprehensive site preparation.
People
Fred McFarlane
Founder
Founded the business in 1932 after his wife Clara's suggestion to deliver sawdust for heating. Transitioned from concrete work to establish what became McFarlane's Bark. Pioneered early operations at Portland's original location before relocating to Milwaukie.
Clara McFarlane
Co-Founder
Partnered with Fred to start the business, managing bookkeeping and delivery orders from their home office. Played critical role in early business operations and family management while supporting business growth through three generations.
John McFarlane
Second Generation Leader
Learned operations from his father Fred, eventually taking over as primary operator. Developed the composting program in the 1960s and expanded services during the 1970s with his sons' assistance. Married Marge in 1951 and raised nine children who all contributed to business growth.
Questions
What products does McFarlane's Bark offer?
We provide various barks, composts, soil blends, and landscaping materials. Our signature Compo-Stuff compost and bulk delivery options are popular with local gardeners and landscapers.
Do you accept yard waste for recycling?
Yes, our on-site recycling centers accept branches, leaves, grass, chips, weeds, sod, and thatch. We process approximately 125,000 cubic yards annually through our composting program.
Are delivery services available?
Yes, we offer delivery for bark, compost, rock, and soil products starting at 1 cubic yard. Our fleet accommodates multiple product deliveries with pricing based on volume and location.
What are your business hours?
We're open Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. We're closed Sundays November-February and on major holidays including New Year's Day, Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Do you offer equipment rentals?
Yes, we rent portable grinding and screening equipment for large land clearing and construction projects. Our grinder processes wood waste and vegetation with optional hauling services.
