How to Color Mulch

Co-authored by Grant Wallace and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: December 23, 2022 References

Coloring your mulch is a great way to plant some eye-catching color in your yard, but how do you go about dyeing a million wood chips spread out over large areas? With a handy garden sprayer, dyeing mulch is a low-cost, low-hassle project you can tackle in an afternoon. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to applying mulch dye, including what equipment you’ll need and how to keep non-mulch surfaces clean. If you’re ready to revitalize your yard, keep scrolling!

Things You Should Know

Mix 3-4 ounces (89-118 mL) of dye per 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water in a high-quality garden sprayer with a fan tip nozzle.
Hold the nozzle about 6 in (15 cm) away from the mulch and move it continuously while you spray for an even coating.
Protect surfaces like driveways, plants, and decorations with sheets or cardboard. Rinse accidentally oversprayed surfaces immediately.

1

Pick a dye color that complements your yard.

Blacks, browns, and reds are natural shades that look great anywhere. Choose a dye similar to your current color if you like what you already have. If you want to change it up, consider the color of your house or plants—black mulch is dramatic and makes bright colors pop, while brown is a neutral tone that can work anywhere. Red complements warm tones in your garden but doesn’t look great against brick houses.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Brown dyes retain their color for the longest time, while blacks and reds fade more quickly.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- Compare mulch chips in multiple colors or look at mulch beds in your neighborhood to see how they look in big patches.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- If you choose a similar shade to your current mulch, it won’t be obvious if you miss a spot during the dyeing process.

2

Wait for a dry, sunny day.

Mulch needs at least 4 hours to air-dry after dye is applied. Plan ahead for a day with no rain in the forecast—if the dyed mulch gets rained on or wet before it’s fully dry, the color won’t stick as well (and the mulch will take much longer to dry out). Disconnect or turn off sprinkler systems temporarily, too.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Most dyes take 3-4 hours to dry, but might need as long as 24 hours to fully cure.
- Try to spray in the afternoon when the dew has evaporated and the humidity is lower.

3

Put on disposable gloves.

Dye stains skin and fabric, so wear long sleeves you don’t mind ruining. The dye will most likely permanently discolor your clothes if it spills, but it will wash out of skin. Scrub your hands quickly (before it dries) with soapy water if that happens, and wear gloves just to be safe.^{[5]
X
Research source}

4

Clear the mulch of debris and decorations.

Removing sticks, leaves, and debris ensures the dye goes on evenly. If you have any outside decor like statuettes or bird baths that can be moved, lift them out of the way as well. This ensures you don’t accidentally spray them and shortens your cleanup time.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Once the debris is gone, examine if your mulch is evenly distributed. Spread the mulch to fill in any sparse areas (mulch dyes won’t color dirt, sand, or gravel).

5

Protect immovable surfaces from overspray.

Use tarps, sheets, or cardboard to cover objects you don’t want dyed. This applies to sidewalks, driveways, and pathways, as well as plants or decorations that can’t be moved. The dye will stain any dry, exposed surfaces it hits unless it’s cleaned up immediately.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you don’t have tarps, spray your plants and concrete with water and keep them wet while you dye—the colorant won’t adhere to wet surfaces.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}

6

Fill a sprayer with at least 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water.

Choose a backpack or pump sprayer with a fan nozzle tip. For easy mixing, use one that holds at least 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water (most colorants provide mixing directions per gallon of water). The fan tip nozzle ensures you’ll get the most even coverage while spraying.^{[9]
X
Research source}

7

Mix the dye into the water.

Measure out and pour the recommended amount of dye into the sprayer. Read your product’s instructions since the exact amount varies by brand—typically, you’ll mix 3-4 ounces (89-118 mL) of dye per 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. Seal the sprayer and shake it to mix the dye.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Pump the sprayer a few times to pressurize it. If you hear a hissing sound, double check that the lid is securely fastened.
- Use a plastic measuring cup that you don’t use for cooking to measure out your dye if there isn’t one provided with your product.

8

Test the dye.

Spray a small amount of dye in a hidden spot to check the color. If the color doesn’t match your mulch (or your expectations), add water to your sprayer to lighten the shade or add more dye to darken it. Seal and shake the sprayer again, then test your new dye ratio.^{[11]
X
Research source}

9

Spray on the dye in small sections.

Hold the nozzle 6 in (15 cm) away and move it continuously. Maintain the same spray pressure and distance from the mulch the entire time for an even coat.^{[12]
X
Research source} Spray each section from left to right and then up and down (perpendicular to the first pass) to ensure full coverage.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- One coat of colorant is typically enough. Add a second coat if you suspect you missed some spots or want to make the color deeper or more saturated.
- If you accidentally overspray onto concrete or a plant, spray the surface or object immediately with clean water to keep the dye from sticking.

10

Clean up overspray quickly.

Rinse or scrub accidentally sprayed objects as soon as you can. If dye got onto a surface that you pre-wet, just use a hose to gently spray away the dye. If the dye has started to dry, scrub the surface or object with soapy water and a hard bristle brush.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Scrub in a circular pattern and then rinse away the suds and lifted dye with a hose.
- Scrub stubborn stains on concrete patios or driveways with hot water and bleach. Let the bleach rest on the stain for 30 minutes, then spray away.
- Dump leftover dye from the sprayer in a gravel patch or utility drain, then flush the tank and nozzle with fresh water to clean it out.

11

Wait 3-4 hours for the dye to dry.

Keep children and pets away from the mulch until it’s fully dried. This way, you eliminate the risk of tracking dye into your house or driveway. Assuming the mulch started dry and there’s no rain in the forecast, you should be able to walk on the dyed mulch after 4 hours or so.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Some products may need as long as 24 hours to fully cure and set.

Expert Q&A

Question

What is the most popular mulch color?

Grant Wallace
Landscaper
Grant Wallace is a Landscaper and Owner of Grantlanta Lawn in Atlanta, Georgia. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in lawn maintenance and landscape installation. In 2012, he earned his BA from the University of West Georgia. Grant has been profiled in Shoutout Atlanta, Canvas Rebel, and Voyage ATL.

Grant Wallace

Landscaper

Expert Answer

It's subjective, but black, brown, and red are probably the most popular. They'll wear away after a year of constantly being exposed to the elements, though.

Things You’ll Need

Mulch colorant
Disposable gloves
Yard work clothes
Garden hose and clean water
1 gallon garden sprayer with fan tip nozzle
Measuring cup (optional)
Tarps or cardboard (optional)
Hard bristle cleaning brush (optional)

Warnings

Mulch dye is designed to last a long time, so carefully protect and monitor any non-mulch surfaces while you spray. Clean up accidental overspray as soon as possible to prevent stains.^{[17]
X
Research source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0