I have 5 acres with several large flower beds where I apply mulch every year. I really love the look of black mulch, but I'm aware that the dye in it isn't the best choice. I'm open to any dark alternatives, but I've noticed that the black mulch from the store tends to fade to gray within a year or less. I used about 80 bags of it last year, which I bought for 5 for $10 at Lowes, so it adds up!
Is red cedar or a similar natural option more durable? I'd consider spending more on a natural mulch if it can last at least 2 years without looking worn out. I've seen Laura and Aaron Leboutillier from Garden Answer use some kind of composted mulch that looks fantastic, but I can't find anything like that here in the OKC metro area for a decent price. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
Honestly, I know this might not be a popular opinion, but natural mulch can look great initially, but it fades pretty fast due to the rain washing the color away. It breaks down quickly too, which can lead to more weeds. If you're set on those aesthetics, black dyed mulch typically looks the best for the longest time. If you establish a solid base layer, you can just rake it in spring instead of re-mulching every year. It also minimizes your workload in the long run. You could consider using mulch dyes to refresh old mulch, but honestly, topping up with fresh black mulch is usually easier and more cost-effective in the end!
That makes sense! I've raked away some old mulch and surprisingly, it looks nice again. I might try to keep some of the bigger pieces to compost and perhaps create my own rich mulch that wouldn't involve all those dyes. They wouldn't sell it if it was really that bad, right?