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.