​Helping Mulch Hold Color

As an applicator, you want to make sure that you can work efficiently to avoid going back to customers to make corrections. This will keep your repeat customers coming back and your new customers satisfied.

Colored mulch can fade quickly due to low colorant application rates. Follow these suggestions on how to properly prepare your mulch colorant so your customers stay content.

Water is valuable in the mulch coloring process. It enables the colorant to coat the wood fiber surface evenly. It also acts as a carrier between the wood and colorant particles until fully dried. Drying is just as important as application in this process because when mulch is completely dry, the colorant particles bond to the wood and cannot be broken by a rainstorm, humidity precipitation, or a water hose.

A proper mulch colorant rate will result in good coverage on the substrate and stand up to various types of weather. If the mulch colorant is spread thinly on the substrate, it will not withstand the weather elements.

No matter the climate, a universal rule is to properly mix the tote of colorant prior to use. This will ensure the right concentration is applied throughout the tote. This simple step could save you from having to reapply, as well as saving your company money.

If you are in regions known for certain types of weather, here are other steps you can take to protect the durability of your colored mulch in your climate:​

Humid

In states like Florida, water application is most important. The moisture content of the raw material is a big factor in humid climates. When coloring after rain, water levels in your mulch colorant should be adjusted accordingly.

Rainy