Why Does Black Mulch Red Mulch Matter?

Mulching is a great way to add nutrients to the soil and help plants grow. Mulch comes in several different colors, but red mulch and black mulch are the most common that gardeners and landscapers use.

But did you also know the difference between black mulch and red mulch is not only its colors but their intent? It’s not as easy as it sounds. There’s a lot of confusion over whether black or red mulch is better. Both types are great, depending on the location they may be placed, but if you want to ensure you get the most bang for your buck, read on. In this article, we’ll compare each mulch and look at how to decide exactly which color is best for your garden.

Mulch color can significantly impact the overall feel of your landscape. Some colors, like red, may be too bright. Others, such as black and brown, may not provide enough contrast to stand out against the background. It’s essential to pick a mulch color that is complementary to its surroundings and doesn’t look unnatural. To help you choose the right color of mulch, we’ll need to go through each on their own merit to see what they offer.

Which Mulch Is Best?

While there isn’t an absolute answer to which mulch is best, there are certain scenarios where one type of mulch is superior to the other. Using black mulch might work well if you live in a dry climate, with lots of windy days. A red mulch would be more appropriate if you live in a humid area with low winds.

Black Mulch

Black mulch is a good go-to choice when you need that special something that stands out from the rest of your landscape. This color of mulch is most often used around trees and other large plants because it makes the greenery pop against the contrasting black mulch. Furthermore, your black mulch is generally dyed with carbon, which gives it a deep, rich color.

Stay with organic, which contains recycled materials, such as bark, and wood chip so it’s more environmentally friendly. Recycled wood pallets bits of rusty nails, and textiles, that may contain dangerous chemicals. You can expect black mulch to last somewhere between eighteen months to two years before it begins to decompose.

Its largest drawback- black mulch will absorb more sunlight. In turn, this will generate more heat than other mulches, so cooler climates may be more suitable.

Red Mulch

Red mulch is a great way to add color to your garden. Not only does it give your landscape a nice pop of red, but it also helps improve soil quality by adding nutrients to the ground. This mulch is usually dyed with iron oxide or organic dyes, which helps reduce the number of harmful chemicals that get absorbed into your food.

Both iron oxide and organic dyes are great for any plant- including trees, shrubs, flowers, and even fruit trees. It typically lasts for about three years, also, before it begins to break down, which means you don’t have to buy a whole bunch of it every year.

Bottom Line About Black Mulch Red Mulch

Mulch is an essential component of any garden and landscape. It reduces soil erosion, improves water retention, holds nutrients in place, and inhibits weeds from overtaking. There are many more colored mulches available, but which ones are best, ultimately depends upon your needs, location, and application.

This article has compared the benefits and drawbacks of red and black mulch to help determine which works best for your garden and landscape. We hope this information has helped you make a decision in your venture of gardening and landscaping!