What is Tanbark?
Tanbark is a natural wood product formed from the outer layers of the tanbark oak tree, a close relative of the popular hardwood species known as true oak. The tanbark oak is prized primarily for its abundance of tannins, organic chemicals used during the hide and leather tanning process. The tannins contained in the tanbark oak’s outer layers are mechanically removed, leaving behind a dry wood product suitable for mulching. In recent years, however, the tanning industry has largely replaced natural tanbark oak tannins with synthetic ones. This has not lessened the popularity of spent tanbark as a ground covering in such places as circus arenas, horse tracks, and children’s playgrounds. Tanbark is often placed around playground equipment for the purposes of shock absorption and all-weather maintenance. For circuses and other public arenas, tanbark provides an inexpensive floor covering ideal for providing traction for visitors and shock absorption for performers and animals. The use of
