Frequently Asked Questions
Are the colorants safe for my plants and animals?
Yes! The raw materials used to make Mulch Magic ONE series colorants are
made from naturally occurring colors found in the earth’s surface. These
colorants, as well as the other ingredients in Mulch Magic ONE, are
specially formulated to be nontoxic to plants and animals.
How much mulch should I apply?
As a general rule of thumb, you should apply mulch at a depth of 2-4
inches. Use less mulch for heavy, clay soils and more for lighter, sandy
soils.
How long does the mulch maintain its color?
Color enhanced mulch will typically maintain its color for more than one
year, compared to other mulches, which turn gray or white after just a few
weeks.
Do the colors ever wash off the mulch?
No. Once the colors dry, they are on the mulch permanently. You will not
experience any color wash-off or leaching.
Will termites interact with mulch?
Termites tend to interact with most forms of cellulose wood fiber
regardless of the source or type. However, mulch is an unattractive source
of food because of its small particle size (termites tend to prefer larger
masses of wood). If homeowners have problems with termites in their area,
the best course of action is preventative care. When placing mulch around
a home, common recommendations include keeping a six inch trench between
the top of the mulch and the veneer on the house. An additional
preventative measure includes dusting the trench with a termiticide on a
yearly basis.
Is mulch detrimental to plant growth?
No. Using mulch will actually help your plants grow better by inhibiting
weed growth and preventing weeds from breaking through the soil. Mulch
also keeps the soil surface cool and helps it retain moisture. Another
added bonus is the beauty and variety that mulch brings to your landscape.
Does mulch deplete nitrogen levels in the soil?
As the mulch wood breaks down initially, it will use up some of the
nitrogen in the soil. However, after the fiber decomposes, it will restore
the nitrogen back to the soil. The best way to maintain good plant growth
is to implement and follow recommended fertilizer programs, a good
horticultural practice regardless of whether or not mulch is used. For
example, you may want to gently work a specially formulated fertilizer
(like 16-9-12, 18-11-12, or 20-10-10) into the soil before mulching.
Another alternative is to use landscape fabric as a barrier to cut down on
potential depletion.
How often is remulching required?
Raking the mulch at 4-6 month intervals will rejuvenate the beds and allow
additional aeration to plant roots, which is beneficial for plant growth.
After about a year (and on a yearly basis thereafter), rake the mulch bed,
then top dress it with 1-2" of new mulch. Use care not to over-mulch.
Coverage
1 ton of stack stone will typically make 35 sq. ft. of wall
face
A wall 1 foot tall and 35 feet long will require 1 ton of
stone to construct
Patio & walkway stones
Veneer stone: typical coverage ranges from 100 to 120 sq.
Feet per ton
flagstone:
typical coverage ranges from 80 to 100 sq.feet per ton.
Gravel coverage
Most application require only 2 inches of gravel. For
driveways and parking pads consider using 2" of crush and run as a base
Mulch coverage
approximately 100 sq. St. Per cubic yard
** sold in 1/2 cu. Yd. Increments**
Soils
1 cu. Yd. Covers 100 sq. Ft., 3" deep**1 cu. Yd. = 27 cubic
feet
Sand
cover 100 sq. ft. 2" deep per ton
1 yd =27 cubic feet
1/2 yd = 13 1/2 cubic feet
Coverage =length x width x depth / 324 = yards required
1 scoop = approximately 1/2 yard or 13 1/2 cubic feet