Mulch

            HARDWOOD, BARK and DYED MULCHES all have similar functions and benefits for your landscape.  To beautify your home or business is obviously one of them.  The others include retaining moisture in your flower beds, keeping soil temperatures moderate, reducing the ability for weeds to grow, and adding organic matter slowly to the soil.  For maximum benefit mulch should be applied to a depth of 4 inches if possible.

            You may also change the appearance of your landscape more often when the mulch decomposes by choosing a different type of mulch.

  Whenever mulch of any type is being applied it is wise to wear gloves.

           HARDWOOD and BARK MULCHES provide a wonderful natural appearance to your landscape.  They also add organic matter to your flower beds sooner than DYED MULCHES.  HARDWOOD and BARK MULCHES are also economical.

           DYED MULCHES are great for color retention and can hold their beauty for a long period of time.  The dyes used are derived from iron oxide and carbon which are products approved by DEP and EPA for use with plants.  There are no known dangerous side effects from working with DYED MULCH.

            There can be a slight “bleeding” of colorant during the first rain after it has been applied because the colorant is water based.  This is not noticeable UNLESS it is on concrete.  Care should be taken to avoid contact with concrete to prevent staining.  After colorant is cured in about 24-48 hours of dry weather it should be stable for a year or more.  DYED MULCH should be applied when you can be reasonably sure you have 24 hours of dry weather.     

What is growing in my landscape mulch?  Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences and Cooperative Extensions tells us.