Abstract: In a method of treating a particulate landscaping material, the material is fed into a mixing chamber and an additive mixture including a functional additive and a carrier is delivered to spray nozzles within the mixing chamber. At least one of the spray nozzles is operated to direct an atomized spray into the mixing chamber. The material is agitated within the mixing chamber during and/or after directing the atomized spray into the mixing chamber. The material is then conveyed with the additive mixture applied thereto to a mixing chamber outlet. During these steps, a volumetric flow rate of the particulate landscape material through the mixing chamber is intermittently determined. The determined volumetric flow rate is intermittently compared to a predetermined target flow rate of the particulate landscape material. Based on this comparison, the volumetric flow rate of the particulate landscape material through the mixing chamber is adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are defined for coating a particulate material. The apparatus includes a mixer having a mixing chamber. A quantity of particulate material is fed into an inlet of the mixing chamber. An agitator is provided for mixing and conveying the particulate material. A feed system is also provided for delivery of a coating into the mixing chamber. The coating is delivered as an atomized spray directed at the mixing particulate material within the mixing chamber. A controller is provided for adjusting the flow of the coating into the mixing chamber based on the volumetric feed rate of the particulate material.

Abstract: In a method of treating a particulate landscaping material, the material is fed into a mixing chamber and an additive mixture including a functional additive and a carrier is delivered to spray nozzles within the mixing chamber. At least one of the spray nozzles is operated to direct an atomized spray into the mixing chamber. The material is agitated within the mixing chamber during and/or after directing the atomized spray into the mixing chamber. The material is then conveyed with the additive mixture applied thereto to a mixing chamber outlet. During these steps, a volumetric flow rate of the particulate landscape material through the mixing chamber is intermittently determined. The determined volumetric flow rate is intermittently compared to a predetermined target flow rate of the particulate landscape material. Based on this comparison, the volumetric flow rate of the particulate landscape material through the mixing chamber is adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are defined for coating a particulate material. The apparatus includes a mixer having a mixing chamber. A quantity of particulate material is fed into an inlet of the mixing chamber. An agitator is provided for mixing and conveying the particulate material. A feed system is also provided for delivery of a coating into the mixing chamber. The coating is delivered as an atomized spray directed at the mixing particulate material within the mixing chamber. A controller is provided for adjusting the flow of the coating into the mixing chamber based on the volumetric feed rate of the particulate material.

Abstract: A composition is provided as a treatment to be added to landscaping material. The treatment includes glycerin and is applied to the landscaping material at a rate of about 0.3 pounds treatment per cubic yard (178 grams per cubic meter) of landscaping material. The treatment formulation may be at least 50% by weight glycerin mixed with a water carrier. The landscaping material may be any typical mulch material, such as a plurality of wood chips or other fibrous organic material. A colorant or other coating may be applied to the landscaping material along with the treatment.