Pine Straw and Mulch

Start out right 

The right equipment is key to making it easy when using EnviroColor. We recommend a high quality, one gallon pump type sprayer or a backpack pump sprayer. There are several types available ranging in price and features. You'll want to find a sprayer with high quality components, especially a fan type nozzle tip. The fan nozzle will allow you to get the most coverage out of your EnviroColor and allow for even, accurate application. 

 

Once you have decided on your sprayer it's time to get started. We always recommend the use of disposable gloves anytime you are handling EnviroColor to prevent staining on your skin. In the event you get EnviroColor on your hands, a quick wash with mild soap and water should do the trick. If it dries, you can clean off any stains on your skin with water and Gojo, Simple Green or a similar type cleaner. EnviroColor is highly likely to stain your clothing so please keep this in mind when handling our powerful concentrates.

 

Preparing your mulch to be sprayed

By properly preparing your mulch or pine straw to be sprayed you'll make the process much simpler and ensure a desired result. Clear any areas to be treated of debris, sticks, leaves, pine cones and other materials that don't belong. If your mulch or pine straw beds contain any figurines or statues that are easily moved, we'd recommend doing this first to avoid over spray possibly coming in contact with those items. 

 

Next you will want to prepare unmovable items such as plants, trees, shrubs, concrete walk ways, driveways, downspouts, pavers and home foundations by spraying them with water from the hose or an additional sprayer. EnviroColor will only adhere to dry surfaces therefore maintaining a wet or moistened surface on areas you don't wish to have treated you'll avoid unwanted color adhesion. 

 

If you have areas that are bare or have very little mulch or pine straw we would recommend filling those areas in with material from other areas that have a thicker coverage to ensure a uniformed look. With the area prepared you are ready to get started!

 

Mixing EnviroColor

Read the label carefully when to ensure the right amount of EnviroColor is added to your sprayer. For our pine straw and mulch colors 4 ounces to a gallon should be used. Our 4EverGreen turf colorant should be mixed at 6 - 12 should be used depending on the color of the turf to be sprayed. Be certain to shake the EnviroColor container well and carefully open the cap. Add the correct amount of EnviroColor to your PRE FILLED sprayer. Next, secure the lid of your sprayer and shake it well to ensure that the EnviroColor concentrate is mixed well in to the water. Pressurize your sprayer by pumping several times and listen for any air leaks. If you hear any air leaking from the sprayer, stop, and make certain the lid is securely fastened to the reservoir. When your sprayer is properly pressurized and your EnviroColor is well mixed, you are ready to begin transforming your landscape.

 

Applying EnviroColor

Start in an inconspicuous area of mulch or pine straw to ensure that the color you have chosen matches your expectations. If you would like to lighten the color, add a little more water, shake and test again. With the sprayer approximately 6-8" from the surface of your mulch, activate the trigger releasing the concentrate. You'll want to keep in the wand in motion at all times to ensure for even coverage. 

 

We recommend using two passes to applyEnviroColor.  Spray a small area using a left to right motion; then spray the same area perpendicular to the first the pass. This pattern ensures that as much surface area as possible is evenly covered. Exercise caution when spraying near plants, shrubs, trees and other items you don't wish to have treated with EnviroColor. If you encountered over-spray onto any plants, concrete or buildings, simply rinse the object with fresh water immediately to prevent the color from sticking.

 

For larger projects be certain to rinse out the sprayer reservoir prior to mixing another preparation of EnviroColor. This step ensures that the second tank contains the same amount of EnviroColor as the first and that the colors will match. 

 

Not all sprayers are created equal. In the event that the sprayer nozzle tip becomes obstructed simply remove it, rinse it with water and re-attach it. In some cases, nozzle tips with smaller openings can become clogged.  Some sprayers contain a filter on the pickup hose in the bottom of the container, if this becomes clogged, either remove it and rinse it, or remove it entirely.

 

Finishing the job 

With the application complete you’re almost done. Check for any over-spray of objects that have unintentionally come in contact with EnviroColor.  It can be removed with water if treated immediately after spraying, or for tougher stains, use Gojo or Simple Green or another similar cleaner to remove stains. EnviroColor should be allowed to 2-3 hours to dry before walking on any treated areas or allowing pets, or children to enter those areas. 24 hours is necessary for EnviroColor to completely cure on to the surface on pine straw, mulch or turf.

 

Cleaning up

With the job complete it's time to clean up before the concentrate has time to dry. You'll want to empty any remaining contents inside the sprayer in to an area that won't be negatively impacted by exposure to the concentrate. With your sprayer now empty rinse it clean with water thoroughly until all of the concentrate has been removed from the reservoir.

 

Next you'll want to fill your clean sprayer with clean water and secure the lid. Pressurize the sprayer just as you did when applying your EnviroColor. You'll then want to rinse the sprayer wand and nozzle components by emptying the entire contents of the sprayer through the tip. Ensuring that the wand and nozzle tip is well rinsed will prolong the life of your sprayer leaving ready for use in the future. 

 

Touch ups

EnviroColor is perfect for areas that simply need a touch up and can be used as often as you like to achieve the color you deserve. Just remember to follow these simple steps to ensure perfect results every time.

 

Grass

Start out right

The right equipment makes all of the difference. Because you will likely be covering a larger area we highly recommend a backpack sprayer or gas powered pump system. Your goal is an even, streak-free result and a larger capacity sprayer will help you achieve this objective. As always, we recommend using a high quality sprayer equipped with a wand long enough to comfortably reach a distance of 6" from the surface of the grass. For grass applications we also recommend using a cone-tip nozzle. For the best results, adjust the nozzle to finest setting possible to ensure even, uniform flow from the sprayer.

 

Preparing the grass to be sprayed

It's best to first mow your lawn and blow to remove any excess clipping and other debris. Your lawn should be dry prior to the application. As a general rule, the mow height should be between 1" and 2" depending on the type of the grass. It is very important to remember that anything you do not wish to have color adhere to be either removed or protected during the application. This includes pavers, sidewalks, lawn decorations, furniture, fencing, mailbox posts, etc. To protect non-movable objects wet them with water prior to applying near them and ensure the items remain wet until you have moved a safe distance from them. 

 

Mixing EnviroColor grass paint

There is no one-size-fits-all ratio despite what some might say. Many variables such as the color of the grass you are spraying and your desired outcome come in to play. We will provide you with a guideline here for you to follow based our experience with achieving spectacular results. Please take a moment to test the solution prior to applying it to your grass.

 

For a lighter hue of green that is often used to achieve a uniform color over large areas of grass that have "trouble spots" begin with 6-8 ounces of EnviroColor per gallon of water. Always remember a second pass can be made to darken the hue. This ratio is suitable for most all turf types.

 

For a medium hue of green that is most often used on entire lawn surfaces begin with 10-12 ounces of EnviroColor per gallon of water. This ratio will help achieve a natural green color for Bermuda, Zoysia, and other common warm season grass types.

 

For a darker hue of green often used with cool weather grass types such as fescue begin with 12-14 ounces of EnviroColor per gallon of water.

 

With the proper ratio for your application determined begin by shaking the EnviroColor container well. Measure out the determined amount of colorant per gallon of water and pour the concentrate in to the pre-filled prayer. Rinse your measuring cup well, shake the sprayer well and pressurize the pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

 

Applying EnviroColor grass paint

Ensure that your sprayer is well pressurized and begin in an open area of the lawn. Position the sprayer 6" from the surface of the grass and begin spraying. Apply in even passes using a circular motion. A wide, overlapping sweeping motion will allow for an even application of EnviroColor. Periodically shake your sprayer and ensure that it remains well pressurized throughout the application process. 

 

When it is time to refill your sprayer, take the time to empty and rinse your sprayer to ensure a uniform application. In the unlikely event that you experience a clog in the nozzle tip, don't panic. RELIEVE THE PRESSURE IN THE SPRAYER prior to disassembling or removing the nozzle tip. With the tip removed, rinse it with clean water, re-install, pressurize the sprayer and continue. 

 

It's best to keep a bucket with clean water on hand for accidental over-spray. Rinse any overspray quickly. A brush may come in handy if you've accidentally sprayed concrete. Krud Kutter is also a great tool in removing unwanted spray stains.  

 

Cleaning up

Dump any left over solution from your sprayer in an area out of sight. Rinse both the inside and outside of the sprayer well. Fill your sprayer with clean water and pressurize it as you would during normal use to rinse the wand. Continue spraying until the water leaving the nozzle tip is clear and free of any green tint. These cleaning steps will help ensure your sprayer is ready for use the next time you need it. 

 

Drying time

EnviroColor will dry quickly. Always allow at least 8 hours before attempting to walk on the recently treated grass. Allow 24 hours before resuming the use of the lawn for pets and children to ensure EnviroColor has had ample time to completely dry. 

 

Additional questions?

If you've got additional questions please feel free to call us or email us. You can reach us at 678-648-5620 weekdays from 8:00 AM - 5:00PM EST.