I don't find an issue with some bark as long as it is clean (I.e. no mold, lichen, dirt globs, etc). I don't buy special wood. Most of the wood i use is harvested locally by me or my friends. I have a small orchard of 25 fruit trees (Apple, peach, pear & plum) as well as access to all the oak & pecan I could use. I have never really had a need to get the fancy wood. Clean is the key! My $.02.