Screen Fiber or Not?
One of the most common questions asked by professionals in the colored mulch industry is, "Should I screen my fiber prior to coloring?"
Things to consider:
Added costs vs. cost savings
- There are added costs of equipment and labor to screen the product through an additional process.
- Screening creates a by-product of fines — and there is an opportunity to save 2 to 3 percent in mulch colorant cost by reducing fines.
- Many producers see a reduction in weight of the finished product with the fines removed, which can reduce freight costs.
Aesthetics
- A reasonable amount of fines will give the colored mulch an appearance of lying better in the landscape setting.
- Colored mulch with all the fines removed can have a chunky appearance that is often not as desirable.
Bottom line? Maximize grinding
- Start with maximizing the grinder's performance to produce a product that does not need screening.
- A grinder manufacturer can recommend the proper internal screen sizes and configuration that will perform best in the grinder to produce the desired results.
