Choosing Mulch Colors: Is Natural or Colored Mulch Better?

Even with a product as mundane as mulch, you now have a choice of colors, thanks to the phenomenon of "colored" mulch. You may want a mulch that's brown, red, or even gold, for the extra vitality it brings to a landscape. Let's begin by learning more about colored mulch, mulch colors, and when and where to use them.

Benefits of Mulch

Besides making your garden and landscape look finished and edged, mulch is beneficial for your soil for numerous reasons:

• Suppresses weeds: Mulch is a barrier preventing the growth of weeds in your garden.
• Prevents compacting: Mulch stops soil from becoming hard and compact to keep plant roots healthy and able to breathe.
• Slows erosion: Mulch keeps topsoil in place, especially on sloped ground.
• Insulates roots: Mulch keeps roots protected during the winter.
• Retains moisture: Mulch keeps the soil moist and regulates the ground's temperature to reduce the need for watering.
• Promotes soil health: Mulch keeps the soil healthy for beneficial organisms, such as earthworms.
• Reduces plant diseases: Mulch helps prevent dirt from splashing onto foliage which can spread fungal infections.
  

What Is Colored Mulch?

Colored mulch is a wood product that has been dyed (usually with a dye that is vegetable-based) to assume a color that a mulch would not have naturally (or to "lock in" color so that it does not fade so quickly).

Mulches can blend into a landscape, make a statement, or help bring out the colors in your plants. If you want your mulch to blend in and be unobtrusive opt for mulch that has not been colored artificially or one that's dyed brown.

Natural vs. Colored Mulch

When a wood mulch has not been dyed, it loses its original color quickly. What starts as a nice brown mulch eventually weathers to a grayish color as the elements take their toll. Those who prefer the "natural" mulch look don't mind this color.

Others prefer a sharp color for their mulch to brighten and emphasize the landscape. However, colored or natural, most mulches are considered fire hazards because of additives, chemicals, and the type of wood the mulch is made from. The most concerning aspect of mulch is not the dye but the wood it is made from, such as recycled pallets.

Types of Mulch

Different types of organic mulches are available natural or dyed and they produce different aesthetic results in the yard and flower beds:

• Bark mulch: This mulch, also called bark chip mulch, is processed from pine, cedar, spruce, fir, or hemlock tree bark and/or waste material from sawmills. It is usually shredded for a medium-fine appearance on the ground. (Try to avoid cypress bark mulch for environmental reasons.)
• Bark nuggets: This is a type of bark mulch that comes in small chunky nuggets.
• Wood chips: Though confused with bark mulch and nuggets, wood chip mulch is typically made from recycled and ground-up wood pallets and other wood waste. Wood chips may offer a medium chunky appearance on the ground.
• Pine straw: Also known as pine needles, this mulch stays in place and does not become compacted, making it a good choice for sloped areas. Pine needles produce a finer, more natural texture on the ground.

How to Choose Mulch Colors

Colored mulch is widely available in a handful of popular colors (other colors, such as orange, green, yellow, or blue, may be available at establishments that specialize in the product):

• Red
• Black
• Gold
• Brown (varied)

Here are tips on how to choose the right color mulch for your yard, including the pros and cons for each hue:

• Red mulch: This mulch adds a vibrant and contrasting color to the yard. Red-colored mulch also blends in with brick houses and red outdoor storage sheds. Red also looks striking when it lines a beautifully green lawn or as a backdrop with orange, red, or yellow flowers. However, red mulch may appear too unnatural.
• Black mulch: This color mulch adds drama to a yard or garden and will highlight brightly colored flowers or foliage. For instance, black mulch around a bed of golden hostas, such as Fire Island, creates a stunning contrast. Avoid using black mulch in very sunny spots as it gets hot and may damage plants.
• Gold mulch: This warm, elegant color mulch provides a glowing backdrop to green foliage and darker-colored flowers. However, it tends to fade quicker than other darker colors.
• Brown mulch: The cooling appearance of dark brown mulch may look best in regions with hot, humid summers. Brown is the most natural-looking mulch, as well. Brown mulch may not provide enough color contrast in the yard.
  

Alternatives to Mulch in the Garden

If you prefer an inorganic type of mulch, consider river rocks, pea gravel, pebbles, or lava rocks. These "mulches" keep their color longer and will not decompose like wood mulches so you don't need to replace them as often. However, these mulches do not add nutrients to the soil like organic mulches, and some products, like volcanic rock, can look out of place in a yard.