When do two rival football team alumni equal one successful business? When father and son team Bob, a University of Oregon Ducks alum, and Jason, an Oregon State Beavers alum, join forces.

In 1985, Bob and his wife Linda developed and refined the bark blowing process and equipment that would become the foundation of Barkdusters. Today, with both Bob and Jason on board, Barkdusters is the longest-operating bark dust company serving the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington. Employing more than 20 people, the company serves landscapers, property management companies, HOAs, commercial properties, and residential customers throughout the region.

The long-term success of Barkdusters comes down to a simple formula: experience, quality products, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and professional service.

Many team members have been with the company for years, bringing extensive expertise to every project. Their experience helps ensure jobs are completed efficiently, professionally, and with attention to detail.

One of the company's biggest advantages is its fleet of specialized blower trucks. These trucks can place material up to 300 feet from the vehicle, making it possible to reach challenging locations such as hillsides, rooftop gardens, interior courtyards, and other hard-to-access areas. Operating year-round, Barkdusters helps customers refresh and maintain their landscapes in every season.

Ask their customers what stands out most, and many will mention the thorough cleanup that follows every installation. It's one more example of the company's commitment to providing a complete professional experience from start to finish.

Barkdusters uses only natural, high-quality products purchased directly from mills and stored locally at its Vancouver facility. Whether you're improving a garden, installing a new lawn, or refreshing your landscaping, Barkdusters offers products to meet a variety of needs, including:

• Organic Compost to enrich soil and feed plants

• 3-Way Mix for building garden beds or preparing new lawn areas

• Bark Mulch and Nuggets to retain moisture, suppress weeds, prevent freezing, and control erosion

• Cedar Chips for play areas, dog runs, and natural pathways

As the company has grown over the years, it has maintained the personal service that customers appreciate. Calls are answered by a friendly office team member who helps guide customers through the process, ensuring an experience that is easy, efficient, and professionally managed from order placement through final cleanup.

Barkdusters relocated its operations to Vancouver in 2006 and is headquartered in a restored early-1900s farmhouse situated on seven acres near the Port of Vancouver. Beyond serving customers, the company remains committed to supporting the communities it serves. Employees donate their time, and Barkdusters regularly supports local nonprofits throughout Southwest Washington and the Portland metro area.

This year, Barkdusters launched its "Cause for Paws" initiative after adopting two stray cats, Dirt the shop cat and Bernie the office cat. Beginning during National Pet Month in May, a percentage of all residential sales is donated to local animal shelters, helping pets in need throughout the community.

Whether you're tackling a large commercial project, updating a backyard landscape, or preparing a new garden space, Barkdusters combines four decades of experience with quality products, professional service, and a commitment to giving back. Stop by, meet Bernie and the team, and see why this multi-generational local business continues to be a trusted name throughout Southwest Washington and the Portland metro area.