Frequently Asked Questions

Are the colorants safe for my plants and animals?
Yes! The raw materials used to make mulch colorants are made from naturally occurring colors found in the earth’s surface. These colorants, as well as the other ingredients, are specially formulated to be nontoxic to plants and animals.

How much mulch should I apply?
As a general rule of thumb, you should apply mulch at a depth of 2-4 inches. Use less mulch for heavy, clay soils and more for lighter, sandy soils.

How long does the mulch maintain its color?
Color enhanced mulch will typically maintain its color for more than one year, compared to other mulches, which turn gray or white after just a few weeks.

Do the colors ever wash off the mulch?
No. Once the colors dry, they are on the mulch permanently. You will not experience any color wash-off or leaching.

Will termites interact with mulch?
Termites tend to interact with most forms of cellulose wood fiber regardless of the source or type. However, mulch is an unattractive source of food because of its small particle size (termites tend to prefer larger masses of wood). If homeowners have problems with termites in their area, the best course of action is preventative care. When placing mulch around a home, common recommendations include keeping a six inch trench between the top of the mulch and the veneer on the house. An additional preventative measure includes dusting the trench with a termiticide on a yearly basis.

Is mulch detrimental to plant growth?
No. Using mulch will actually help your plants grow better by inhibiting weed growth and preventing weeds from breaking through the soil. Mulch also keeps the soil surface cool and helps it retain moisture. Another added bonus is the beauty and variety that mulch brings to your landscape.

Does mulch deplete nitrogen levels in the soil?
As the mulch wood breaks down initially, it will use up some of the nitrogen in the soil. However, after the fiber decomposes, it will restore the nitrogen back to the soil. The best way to maintain good plant growth is to implement and follow recommended fertilizer programs, a good horticultural practice regardless of whether or not mulch is used. For example, you may want to gently work a specially formulated fertilizer (like 16-9-12, 18-11-12, or 20-10-10) into the soil before mulching. Another alternative is to use landscape fabric as a barrier to cut down on potential depletion.

How often is remulching required?
Raking the mulch at 4-6 month intervals will rejuvenate the beds and allow additional aeration to plant roots, which is beneficial for plant growth. After about a year (and on a yearly basis thereafter), rake the mulch bed, then top dress it with 1-2" of new mulch. Use care not to over-mulch.