What to know
Mulch is anessential componentof any healthy landscape painting . Ithelps conserve moisture , suppress sens , andregulate soil temperature . However , over time , mulch can fade and lighten in color , lose its aesthetic appeal and effectivity . But reverence not ! With a few simple trick , you’re able to fix the deep , drear hue of your mulch , enhance both its coming into court and its benefit .
Understanding Mulch Color
The color of mulch is primarily square up by the type of constituent cloth it ’s made from . Darker mulch , such ascocoa bean hullsandhardwood bark , carry high-pitched level of lignin , a chemical compound that gives wood its rich color . Lighter mulches , like straw and pine needles , have less lignin and tend to languish over time .
Methods to Darken Mulch
1. Add Nitrogen-Rich Materials
Nitrogen is all-important for rotting , and adding atomic number 7 - deep material to your mulch can serve accelerate the mental process , darkening the colour as a result . Consider adding :
2. Use Iron Sulfate
Iron sulfate is anatural mineralthat candarken mulchby adding Fe to theorganic topic . Dissolve 1 - 2 tablespoonful of branding iron sulphate in a Imperial gallon of water and utilize it directly to the mulch .
3. Apply Food Coloring
While not as long - lasting as other methods , nutrient coloringcan ply a speedy and easy way to darken mulch . commix a few drop ofdark food coloringwith urine and spray it on the mulch .
4. Paint the Mulch
For a morepermanent solution , you could paint the mulch with a dark - colored rubber-base paint paint . This method is good become forsmaller areasor raised beds .
5. Mix in Darker Mulch
If you have access to darker mulch , such ascocoa bean hullsor hardwood bark , conflate it with yourlighter mulchto make a black blend .
6. Add Compost
Compost is plentiful in nutrients andorganic matter , and add it to your mulch can serve darken the color while also ameliorate soil wellness .
7. Allow Time
In many cases , only allowing timewillnaturally darken mulch . As theorganic matter decomposes , it will become darker in people of color .
Benefits of Darker Mulch
Tips for Maintaining Dark Mulch
Top Questions Asked
Q : Why is my mulch turning gray?A : grey mulchis often a sign of fungous growing ornutrient lack . tote up nitrogen - rich materials to the mulch topromote decompositionand restore its color . Q : How often should I darken my mulch?A : The frequence will reckon on the type of mulch and thedesired swarthiness . As ageneral normal , aim to darken the mulch every 6 - 12 months . Q : Can I useblack dyeto darken mulch?A : Whileblack dyecandarken mulch , it may not be as effective or long - endure as other method . to boot , some dyestuff may take harmful chemicals .
