The trend of using dyed mulch in landscape beds emerged early in the 21st century.  Dyed brown, red and black mulches became the most commonly used colors in shrub and flower beds.  More and more homeowners began requesting dyed mulches. Why? Because those mulches hold their color longer and don’t fade or “bleach out” as fast as natural wood mulch products.

Mulch dyeing process:

1. Regular mulch is stockpiled to the rear of the machine.
2. A front loader dumps regular mulch into the hopper.
3. Colorant is mixed with water and sprayed onto the mulch.
4. Dyed mulch travels up a conveyor onto a stockpile.

Regular vs Dyed Mulch

Regular shredded mulch is less expensive (30% to 40% cheaper) but fades to a gray color after just one or two months in the sun. Dyed mulches hold their color through the summer, and often into the next year, with minimal color loss. This provides better long term value.

Is Mulch Colorant Safe?

The colorant used in the photo above is formulated to be non-toxic to animals and plants. Check with your mulch supplier for complete details on the product label when ordering dyed mulches.

Will Mulch Dye Rub Off?

These colorants tend to “set” once the mulch has been spread and given some time to dry. Up until that point, colorants can rub-off on hands, clothes and pavement. All of our mulches are made with spruce chips ( no recycled pallets are used in our mulching).  Bill’s recommendation: Work with dyed mulches on a dry day, when there is no rain in the forecast. This allows the color to “set” before rain has a chance to wash some of the mulch dye off.

We are the only supplier locally that dyes the mulch on site, give us a call or come down and check out our in stock product.