Bulk fir bark questions

[Brad]

I have some major repotting to do in the spring. I'm looking for a good and cheap source of fir bark chunks (various sizes). Landscape suppliers have bark for use in gardens. Its almost in bulk, fill a 5 gallon bucket or the back of a pickup truck. Its not prepackaged. Is this stuff ok to use? has anyone uses this kind of bark before? Is fir bark, fir bark?
Thanks for the advance,
Brad

[Ray]

The bark used for orchid potting media is typically treated to reduce the toxic oils the plants exude to fend off bacteria, fungi, and other invading plants.

Rexius Fir bark, for example, is steamed, and Orchiata is aged. The stuff sold for landscaping mulch is usually not treated, as those oils aid in keeping weeds at bay.

[dounoharm]

i havent had good luck trying cheap bark sources...they invariably compact and rot roots....i find its cheaper in the long run to buy quality bark....gl