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We just put down 35 bags of Scott's Nature Scapes Advanced Mulch in black...after it dried, it wasn't black anymore! They bag it wet so it looks black in the bag (and it's a messy job to spread it...gloves soaked through), but when it dries (less than 24 hours later) it's grey, at best! They "guarantee" the color for a year! I've emailed Scott's so I'll let you know what they have to say...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Belstone,

I hope you'll receive a satisfactory response.

Question: Given the large amount of bags of mulch you're buying to cover your beds, have you considered buying mulch in bulk instead? It would likely be less expensive. We pay $30 a yard (27 cubic feet) plus delivery...

An article in a recent issue of Fine Gardening magazine indicated that the dyed mulches can contribute several potentially hazardous materials, such as Arsenic, to your soil. That brand of mulch material is simply too expensive, anyway.

I wanted to use a walnut mulch because of it's rich color, but while researching found that it can be harmful. I've used black mulch before...bulk stuff that was put down by a pro landscaper...and I hated it because it turned my hands black every time I touched it and it faded quickly so I was totally against using it again. Enter Scott's, touting all the benefits and the color guarantee so, reluctantly, we used it. Live and learn, I guess.

Still waiting for a response from Scott's...got the automatic reply immediately, telling me they'd get back to me within a few days.

I'm sure this is the height of their busy season, so it seems understandable it will take time to get a reply. Don't forget to update when you hear from them. I'm curious what they'll say.

I'm back with news...Scotts emailed a very gracious response expressing their regret that I had such an unfortunate experience...there was a tiny bit of condescension where they pointed out that the directions on the bags suggest turning the mulch periodically, which of course, does not apply to me since I noticed the "fading" within 24 hours. Here's the good part...wait for it...they offered a full refund! So now I send in my receipt and wait for a check. I'll let you know when it shows up. Happy dance....

Well, it's good to know they honor their warranties. Would be better, though, if the products actually lived up to them in the first place!

Good for you.

We don't buy mulch. Never have.
We bought a shredder in 1971. Replaced it (bearing went) in 1985. All dead limbs that fall from our trees; all prunings from trees, bushes, landscape pines are reused. Larger pieces are shredded.
Fall leaf drop--mowed and bagged and used as winter mulch.
1) Looks neat
2) No weeds due to the continual addition of acidic matter.
Just an idea.
Good for Scott's to reimburse you.

Well, they didn't give me all the money I spent, but very close! I got a check for 119.00 with no explanation for the discount, but I'm a happy camper.