Shipping costs can certainly influence the price of heavy items. Two years ago it was not unusual (with a little patience and looking) to purchase 2-3 cf. bags of orchid media such as Douglas fir bark and get free shipping. I ordered 3 bags of the stuff in June and shipping was almost $50! The same would be true for my coconut chunks, expanded rock, and horticultural charcoal. Nothing (in the amount I need) is available locally. I use approximately 20 cf. each year. I am being priced out of purchasing quality orchid-growing media.
I will soon have to find a substitute bark. Perhaps the cypress I use in the landscape would work.
