Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Why use Foster Brothers Mulch?
Foster Brothers mulch not only makes your flower bed look great, but it also helps to regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, create a weed barrier, add nutrients to the soil, and control erosion. 

Should I mulch in the spring or fall?
Spring is usually the preferred season for aesthetic reasons. Spring mulching helps the soil retain moisture and provides a weed barrier.  Fall mulching is preferable for protecting plant and root systems because it keeps the soil warmer during the winter months.

How much mulch do I need?
You can calculate the amount of mulch you need with our mulch calculator located at the bottom right corner of all product pages.   

How long does colored mulch last in comparison to non-colored mulch?
Color-enhanced mulch will usually maintain its color approximately 50% longer than non-colored mulch.

Is Foster Brothers Mulch treated with any chemicals?
No, all Foster Brothers mulch is produced from virgin wood. Our color-enhanced mulch is colored with a non-toxic, bio-degradable dye and is completely safe for plants and animals.

Does Foster Brothers use recycled wood?
Our mulch is produced using only virgin materials from the sawmill industry. We do not use pallets, ground rubber, or packing materials in our products. We do this to ensure that no pesticides or industrial additives are present in our products so they remain environmentally safe and plant friendly.

Does Foster Brothers practice sustainable forestry and wildlife management methods?
Yes, Foster Brothers believes that employing sustainable methods when harvesting timber is not only essential for the growth and health of the forest, but to also ensure the sustainability of the wood products industry.

Where will Foster Brothers deliver to?
Our large fleet of company-owned trucks will deliver to Missouri and  all surrounding states. However, we will quote delivery to other states if requested. 

Is there a minimum delivery amount?
There is no minimum delivery amount. However, Foster Brothers cannot deliver to residential neighborhoods due to transportation restrictions on our large trucks. 

Does Foster Brothers offer credit?
Yes. The first step is to download and send in our Credit Application. Please fax the completed application to 1-573-386-2311.

How can I contact Foster Brothers Wood Products?
Toll Free: 1-800-392-2271
Phone: 573-386-2271
Fax: 573-386-2311
E-mail: sales@fosterbros.com
For more contact information please see our Contact page.

Mulch Tips

  • Calculate the amount of mulch you will need using the mulch calculator located on the bottom right of all product pages or on our Contact Us page.
  • Remove weeds, leaves, and grass from the landscaping area before adding mulch.  If you are landscaping a new area that is grassed, be sure to completely remove the grass from the landscaping area before applying mulch.
  • For best results, spread a 3 to 4 inch layer of Foster Brothers mulch to new landscaping beds, or a 1 to 2 inch layer to existing flower beds.
  • Leave a little space around plant stems to prevent the mulch from overwhelming plants. 
  • Spread mulch as wide as the longest branches of a plant to offer maximum protection and accentuate the plant's features.
  • When mulching around a tree, leave a small amount of mulch-free space around the trunk to prevent damage and to help funnel water towards the roots.
  • After you have finished mulching, it is best to spray water over the mulch to add moisture and help settle it into the landscaped area.

Color-Enhanced Mulch Tips

  • If you are storing fresh colored-enhanced mulch, always cover the mulch with a tarp or keep it under a roof to protect it from discoloration that may be caused by rain, snow, or other precipitation.
  • When applying fresh color-enhanced mulch to your landscaping jobs, avoid exposing the mulch to sprinklers or rain for a 48 hour period.
  • Use gloves and wear dispensable clothing when handling color-enhanced mulch to avoid unwanted discoloration. 
  • Color-enhanced mulch should never be stored on concrete because discoloration will occur.
  • Wash equipment and tools immediately after use to avoid discoloration.
  • In the unfortunate event that the colorant dries on the surface of tools, sidewalks, or driveways, use Simple Green® cleaning solution and water to remove the stain.  Always test a small area before cleaning to ensure that the cleaning solution does not cause discoloration.
  • Due to factors beyond Foster Brothers Wood Products, Inc.’s control, after color-enhanced mulch is unloaded off of Foster Brothers Wood Products, Inc. trucks, Foster Brothers Wood Products, Inc. will not be held responsible for any discoloration to the color-enhanced mulch or to surrounding property including, but not limited to, driveways, equipment, foundations, plants, shrubs, sidewalks, trees, tools, or vehicles.