I'm on the dreaded quest for pine bark fines too and I would say your bark is too chunky. Someone suggested running bark that's too big through a mulching lawnmower or leaf vacuum to chop it up more. Might be worth a shot.

My husband seems to think our lawnmower is a mulcher (it was a hand-me-down), so I'll have to take a closer look to confirm. We don't have a leaf blower/vacuum or wood chipper, but I may be able to find a relative with one if necessary. I could maybe pick up a cheap blender, too?

I didn't mind paying the higher pricetag of Repti-Bark for the convenience, but now it seems like it doesn't offer a whole lot of that, ha!

The bark is too coarse - it will all end up at the top of the mix. If you get over to visit your brother, or if he would look for you, check out any of the Bordine's Greenhouse/Nursery ops. They have locations in Rochester Hills, Clarkston, Grand Blanc, and Brighton. They've always been a reliable source for fine PB mulch.

If you screened your Turface over aluminum insect screen or a kitchen strainer with openings like mom's old strainer (about the size of the insect screen), you're golden there.

Al

Thanks, Al! I haven't seen my brother in awhile so it would be nice to make a trip out that way, now I just have to find an open weekend before mulch is completely out-of-season!

I used a fiberglass window screen on the Turface and grit (both were also screened wet). Do I need to re-screen with aluminum (either mesh or strainer)? Just wondering now if aluminum does a better job than fiberglass.

I sent out emails to some friends in the DET area. I'll let you know if they have sources.

The holes on fiberglass are smaller and the strands thicker, so you retain more fines - especially if you screen when it's wet. I screen dry ingredients outside with the wind at my back and wear a dust mask - just in case.

Al

You are the best, Al. :)

That's what I was beginning to figure, so thank you for confirming. I'll re-screen with aluminum and also with dry ingredients.