Expert: Greg - 5/30/2007

Question
I want to color some wood chips to use for mulch. What can I use that will not harm my flowers and soil? I want them to be dark brown. I tea stain fabric but I assume that it won't work on light colored wood chips. Thanks for any help. Lori

Answer
Hello Lori

Interesting Question, and one that has never been posed to me before.

First of all, and as you have pointed out, you need something that won't do any harm. Citys have taken Old Oak Pallets and ground and shredded them, and then they were dyed a dark Redwood color. While this looks really good for a Year, or maybe even 2, they do fade. I myself have always wondered if the leaching of the color does any harm.

With this is mind, would you really want to go through all of this, knowing that it will only last for 2 years tops?

If you do, I think you are on the right track, A tub filled with Tea, or even Coffee should be safe. As far as how long and what color, you will need to experiment. Soft woods like Pine should absorb the colors quicker, hard woods such as Oak will take more time.

I hope this helps somewhat, but I really don't have a pat answer on this one.

The Best of Luck
   Greg