There are many choices for landscape mulch, each offering unique benefits for appearance, soil health, and maintenance. Organic mulches such as shredded bark, wood chips, and pine straw enrich the soil as they decompose, improving structure and moisture retention. Bark mulches are especially popular for their natural look and long-lasting coverage, while pine straw provides a lightweight option that’s easy to spread. For a more decorative touch, dyed wood mulch comes in colors like red, black, or brown to complement different landscape styles. Inorganic mulches, such as rubber mulch, gravel, or river rock, offer a durable, low-maintenance solution that won’t break down over time—ideal for pathways or high-traffic areas.

This is a classic mulch choice made out of hardwood bark and manure. It will look almost black when new and installed, but upon drying out will be a dark brown and will lighten over time to a weathered wood color.

This is just like natural hardwood bark mulch, but colored black using non-toxic dyes such as carbon black or vegetable-based dyes, and sometimes iron oxide pigments. All are safe for plants, pets, and the soil. The intensity of black will slowly fade with time, but still looks “black” after a year.

Pine bark mulch is a reddish color and available as large chunks or smaller pieces, depending on the look you are after as well as how easy it is to walk on. These work well in manicured woodlands and when a more natural look is desired.

Pine straw is a classic ground cover and looks great in formal gardens as well as more natural spaces. It makes the soil more acidic and is a very economical product in terms of cost and application time, but requires more frequent applications.

Stone chips, including slate and shale, are a popular ground cover that will last forever. Pea gravel is also available in tans and reddish browns. Other stones used for ground cover include white marble and river rock (black, brown, etc.).

Synthetic materials, including recycled products as well as various rubbers and plastics, are often used in playgrounds because of their durability and forgiving nature in the event of a fall. They come in all sorts of colors and most will have a slight odor when installed.