12 best dark mulch
Dark mulch refers to a type of mulching material used in gardening and landscaping, typically made from organic or inorganic materials that are dark in color. This mulch serves several purposes in the context of gardening, lawn care, and landscaping.
Key points about dark mulch include:
Weed Barrier Fabric: Dark mulch, when used in combination with a weed barrier fabric, helps suppress the growth of weeds. The dark color absorbs sunlight and heats the soil beneath, creating an environment that inhibits weed germination and growth. The weed barrier fabric prevents weed seeds from reaching the soil.
Moisture Retention: Mulch, in general, helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation. Dark mulch can be particularly effective in this regard. The dark color absorbs sunlight and warms the soil, creating a microclimate that reduces water loss through evaporation.
Temperature Regulation: Dark mulch can help regulate soil temperature. It absorbs sunlight, which warms the soil during cooler periods and provides insulation during hot weather.This temperature regulation can benefit the root systems of plants.
Aesthetic Appeal: The dark color of the mulch often contrasts well with the greenery of plants, making the garden or landscape visually appealing. It provides a uniform and neat appearance to flower beds and around trees.
Organic and Inorganic Options: Dark mulch can be made from various materials, including shredded bark, wood chips, compost, or rubber. Organic options break down over time, contributing to soil health, while inorganic options provide longer-lasting weed control.
Application in Garden Beds and Around Trees: Gardeners commonly use dark mulch in flower beds and around the base of trees. It is spread evenly over the soil surface, creating a protective layer that offers numerous benefits to plants.
Prevention of Soil Erosion: By covering the soil, dark mulch helps prevent erosion caused by wind and water. This is particularly important on slopes or in areas with loose, sandy soil.
When using dark mulch, it's essential to apply an appropriate thickness to maximize its effectiveness. Typically, a layer of 2 to 4 inches is recommended. Regular replenishment may be necessary as organic mulches break down over time.
In summary, dark mulch serves as a versatile and aesthetically pleasing element in landscaping and gardening. It aids in weed control, moisture retention, temperature regulation, and overall soil health, contributing to the success and visual appeal of outdoor spaces.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best dark mulch on the marketProduct description
FD Coco Mulch is a 5 kg(11lbs), compressed mulch block. Manufactured by crushing coconut husks, coco mulch has many benefits over bark mulch. Unlike bark, coco mulch does not float and thus can be used on slopped surfaces. Because of coconuts high lignin content, FD Coco Mulch will outlast bark mulch, giving you up to 3 years of mulching benefits without refreshing. After hydrated with 4 gallons of water, each block expands to about 2 cubic feet of mulching medium. With a "rust" like look, FD Coco Mulch will bring color into your landscape and is perfect for any mulching job. Does not attract insects and is not harmful to pets. WARNING: NOT FOR CONSUMPTION.
- 1 block expands to ≈2 cubic feet of mulching medium after hydrating with 4 gallons of water
- 100% Coconut husk, contains not additives
- "Rust" like color adds great aesthetic look to your outdoor landscape
- No assembly required
- NON-TOXIC: This is not the same as Cocoa Nut (Chocolate) husk - this is Coconut Husk Mulch. Please make sure your pet does not eat unexpanded mulch since this can expand when water is added.
User questions & answers
Question: | Does this have splinters? Is it suitable for kids to occasionally walk on |
Answer: | No splinters. It is soft to walk on. I soaked it in water before applying to my garden. When dry, it was soft and felt good under my feet. I think it would be OK for a kid's playground. The only drawback is that it does stick to clothes, but brushes off and the fibers come off in the washer and dryer. |
Question: | Does the final look of this have a more "shredded" or "chip" appearance |
Answer: | the cubes shred apart ...the more you shred, the more straw-like it looks -- does not look like chips at all. |
Question: | How much ground will this cover, say to a depth of 2 or 3 inches |
Answer: | The hydrated mulch bale achieves a volume of 2 cubic feet, which would yield 6 sf of coverage at 2" depth, or 4 sf at 3" depth. It's more expensive than pine or cypress bark mulch, but is far better than either with regard to longevity, or appearance. |
Question: | I have 3 questions |
Answer: | 1. I am currently using it as a ground cover substantially wider than the plant it is under.2. We had high winds yesterday, and it stayed in place. I had watered it, and the plant it surrounds, after placement, which may have made all the difference. The winds were steady with high gusts all day long, not hurricane level, if that's what you mean.3. I scoff at weed barriers. When they start breaking down, weed seeds and their determined roots work their way through the fabric and the weeds take off. Removing the weeds and/or the barrier requires substantial effort. Laying any mulch on bare ground makes weed removal much simpler. Laying this mulch on top of a barrier would make them more susceptible to wind. |
Product description
Highlights:Color : BrownMulch type : SeedingDry volume : 1 cu. ft.Coverage area : 200 sq. ft.Package size : 11 lb.Small baleBagged
- Color : Brown
- Mulch type : Seeding
- Dry volume : 1 cu. ft.
- Coverage area : 200 sq. ft.
- Package size : 11 lb.
User questions & answers
Question: | How many square feet will this cover |
Answer: | I cover a six square foot area and had over half a bag left |
Question: | does this contain grass seed |
Answer: | no... it's for putting on top of your grass seed to hold in the moisture and keep it protected. |
Question: | Are you sure this doesn't contain grass seed? I used it as mulch on my garden and notice grass growing |
Answer: | Yes no seed |
Question: | does this have seed in it |
Answer: | No there is not seed in with the straw. |
Product description
Rubberific Mulch stands alone as the industry’s hallmark recycled rubber mulch. This realistically-textured ground cover is made from 100% recycled rubber and will not fade, rot, compress or lose its original beauty, even after years of exposure to the elements. Rubberific Mulch saves homeowners time and money, and is one of the safest playground coverings available.
- Sold on Amazon
User questions & answers
Question: | How many bags do I need to fill a planter that is 66" wide x 11" high and 15" deep |
Answer: | Not sure it but I think the weight should be on the bag and in the description. I use it for my potting base. Make the potted plant much lighter and help in drainage. |
Question: | how manu cu ft per bag |
Answer: | My bag didn't say organic on it. |
Question: | Has anyone complained about dogs eating it |
Answer: | Absolutely not. These are not food-grade bean hulls or packaged for human consumption. The hulls are packed in plastic bags (probably not food safe) and I would imagine they are stacked on palettes out in the open. But: excellent mulch, especially when you spread it over newspaper. If you meant "compost tea" for plants in your garden then probably yes -- a great idea! |
Question: | How many square feet does a bag cover at 2" depth |
Answer: | I have no idea. I have no idea if they are gmo-free, either. I don't know if there is a certified-organic mulch of any kind on the market. It is the hull from a cocoa bean. It is a natural component of a plant = organic. Cocoa beans are grown in central America. Are you actually asking if the beans come from a farm that is certified organic? I am going to go out on a limb here and say "probably not". |
Product description
Native to the Southeastern states, Longleaf pine straw is considered the premium straw for landscaping. Due to its extremely long needles, approximately 14 inches, Longleaf pine straw is the preferred choice of landscapers, developers, homeowners, and golf course superintendents. A fantastic natural ground cover for your property.
- ✔ GET MORE FOR YOUR MONEY - Our premium Longleaf pine needles contain much less debris than other competitors. This product is sustainably harvested from our tree farms, and it’s cleaned before packaging.
- ✔ QUICKER AND EASIER TO INSTALL – Our Longleaf pine straw roll requires much less work to install, no need to haul heavy mulch bags or lots of small square bales. Save your back and save time by using our 100% Natural pine straw rolls.
- ✔ ECO-FRIENDLY, NO TREES WERE HARMED – Longleaf pine needles are a great environmentally friendly alternative to wood mulches, as no trees are harmed or cut down. Our pine needles are harvested after the needles fall to the ground.
- ✔ DELIVERED TO YOUR FRONT DOOR - Avoid the mess and hassle of driving to the store and putting a dirty, dusty store brand square bale of straw in your car. Each roll covers up to 125 Sq. Ft. (2-3 inch depth)
User questions & answers
Question: | Will it help preventing weeds |
Answer: | Good afternoon Yanbook, Yes it will help reduce the amount of weeds. The thickness of the pine straw laid or installed on the ground as a ground cover determines the amount of weeds reduced. We recommend 2-4” of pine straw installed as a ground cover or mulch for your landscape. If weeds is your main concern the deeper the depth the longer the weeds will be controlled. It’s best to spray all weeds before installing straw so all weeds that have already germinated will be eliminated. Our Colored Pine Straw is the best mulch or ground cover to reduce weeds for the longest period because the Colored Pine Straw lasts longer then Non Colored Pine Straw. Thank you! |
Question: | Will it hold moister In the ground |
Answer: | Yes it will definitely help hold moisture in the ground. The deeper the pinestraw from the ground (4” vs 2”) will hold more moisture and element more weeds. Thank you! |
Question: | The photo states 35 pounds. Is that accurate |
Answer: | I did not the box but wit's teddy less than 35 pounds. |
Question: | Can this be put around strawberries |
Answer: | That's exactly what I did with it. It's been about 2+ months and I haven't seen any issues. Other than the birds think it's the best nest building material they have ever seen... |
Product description
Having a beautifully landscaped yard is a source of pride and satisfaction, so you want to keep it looking its best! Mulch-Lock Concentrate helps maintain a neat, tidy landscaped look by keeping landscape mulch and other groundcovers in place. Mulch-Lock Concentrate is a patented formula of bonding agents that helps lock mulch in place. Just spray it directly onto mulch or other groundcover, including pine straw, pebbles, gravel, sand and dirt, to lock in place for up to 12 months. Covers up to 1,500 square feet. Use Mulch-Lock Concentrate around trees, planting beds, slopes, pathways, borders, edging and driveways. It starts bonding immediately, with maximum bond after 24 to 48 hours. Although this formula locks mulch in place, it allows water and nutrients to flow through to plants and shrubs. Mulch-Lock Ready-To-Use sprays on milky white and dries completely clear. Spray Mulch-Lock when groundcover and air temperature is consistently 55 to 60 degrees or warmer and when the air is calm with no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours. Results are best when applied in warm weather and direct sunlight. Do not spray if ground may freeze overnight.
- LOCKS IN PLACE: Holds mulch, pine straw, pebbles, gravel, sand and dirt in place for up to 12 months.
- SPRAY AROUND LANDSCAPING: Use near trees, planting beds, slopes, pathways, borders, edging and driveways.
- NON-TOXIC: Allows water and nutrients to flow through to plants, shrubs and trees.
- STARTS BONDING IMMEDIATELY: Maximum bond after 24 to 48 hours.
- COVERAGE: Covers up to 1,500 square feet.
User questions & answers
Question: | Does it hold sand between pavers |
Answer: | I don't know for sure....but I can tell you it holds pea gravel great. I was really surprised at how it performed. I personally think it is a great product. |
Question: | Customer service email for MulchLock |
Answer: | Worthless product |
Question: | will this bond 2" to 3" stone |
Answer: | I found this product to be absolutely useless. I would have had the same result had I used soapy water. I reapplied it twice and ended up using an absolutely massive amount of it on a small place and a couple of days later there was zero effect. I suspect it is a scam but it's not worth my time to pursue. To bind gravel, ultimately my contractor and I found a product called Gator Rock Bond. It takes some work to apply but it was terrific / super strong. Search the net for it. |
Question: | Does it turn white at all? Or in the cold weather too |
Answer: | Yes it turned super white in the cold so I thought I ruined my mulch. When the weather earned up the mulch color returned to normal. I also returned it since it did nothing. It smells just like Elmer's glue, I think they just bought some Elmer's glue and slapped their label on it. |
Product features
Mulch-Lock Ready-to-Use
Saves Money
Mulch-Lock locks mulch in place, so you won’t have to replace it as often, if at all. In addition, Mulch-Lock’s UV inhibitors help mulch retain its natural look, extending the life and color so it will look more beautiful longer.
Your trees and plants will love it too since Mulch-Lock keeps the mulch in place, reducing the risk of mulch washing away and leaving exposed soil that can cause excessive weed growth and erosion. Keeping mulch in place can help improve the soil and increase biological activity, something your plants need to grow stronger and healthier. Mulch-Lock allows water and nutrients to flow through to the roots of the plants.
It’s like having a 'hairspray' for mulch. After all, you probably spent a lot of money for your home’s plants, trees and shrubs. Help preserve your investment in them.
Safe Around Pets
Even though Mulch-Lock locks mulch in place, it still allows water and nutrients to flow through to plants, shrubs and trees. Mulch-Lock is safe for use around the home and animals when used and stored as directed. It dries completely clear with no color distortion and leaves no odor.
Ideal Dust Control
Mulch-Lock can also help keep dust, sand and dirt from washing or blowing onto driveways and sidewalks. Mulch-Lock also works great around gutter downspouts and other leaky landscape areas.
It’s ideal for keeping dust under control. Spray Mulch-Lock on dirt, sand, and gravel pathways, driveways and roads. Mulch-Lock is your best solution wherever dust is a problem.
Product description
Better Reds® Red Mulch Film increases tomato plant yield by up to 20% by reflecting red light onto plants, which stimulates growth. This film retains moisture, controls weeds and warms the soil. Better Reds® Red Mulch Film can also be used for strawberries, melons, and other crops that fruit above ground.
- Increases tomato plant yield by up to 20% versus black film
- Reflects red light back to plants which stimulates growth
- Retains moisture, controls weeds, and warms the soil
- Also use for strawberries, melons, and other crops that fruit above ground
- Size: 3' x 24' roll
User questions & answers
Question: | Is this 8 packages of 3x24 as it seems to indicate? The picture only shows 3x |
Answer: | This is 1 roll 3X24 |
Question: | I use a soaker hose to water my bed between rain storms, can this film be laid on top my soaker hose |
Answer: | There will be no problem using this product with your soaker hose take care good gardening |
Question: | How do you use this product |
Answer: | Helps plants absorb more energy that plants need to photosynthesize due to absorbing red light nearby. Blue plastic would be close, but not quite as good. |
Question: | What gauge is this |
Answer: | Check out the mm. Gauge is for metal . |
- Ready to use, just shake well, pour into a garden sprayer (sold separately) and apply. (Not designed for use on rubber mulch).
- One gallon covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. with light coverage or 750 sq. ft. with heavy coverage. Do not over apply.
- Prevents movement caused by rain, wind, wildlife, mowers, leaf blowers, pets, and other sources while allowing the substrate to drain and breathe.
- Non-toxic, environmentally friendly, safe for pets.
- DO NOT ALLOW PRODUCT TO FREEZE PRIOR TO APPLICATION. Refer to Application Guide under Technical Specifications for more information.
User questions & answers
Question: | Is the bond strong enough to prevent (or deter) squirrels from digging holes in mulch |
Answer: | Thank you for your inquiry! We have had customers state that this product has helped in this situation. This being said, is there ever really a way to stop a squirrel?! We wish you the very best in using this product and hope you will let us know how it works out. |
Question: | Will this bond varies rock sizes from 2" to 1/4"? Will the bond be strong enough( epoxy) that it prevents debris from wedging between rocks |
Answer: | This product was not designed to provide a similar bond to epoxy. It is designed to mitigate the movement of smaller aggregate and mulch due to wind, rain, or leaf blowers. It will not prevent debris from becoming lodged in between the rock. |
Question: | Will i be able to use a sealer over this bonding |
Answer: | You can use a sealer over this product. Although, application depends on the type of sealer. |
Question: | How do you apply it? With a pump sprayer? is it water wash up |
Answer: | Yes, Landscape Loc Mulch & Rock Bond is applied using a pump garden sprayer. You can wash sprayer with water before the product is dried. It is key to pump water through the sprayer before it is dry so that the hose and nozzle do not get clogged. |
- Made in USA
- Restores faded mulch & adds instant curb appeal with a pure midnight black color
- Easy to use, simply mix 2-5 ounces of mulch color concentrate per gallon of water, point and spray
- Concentrated mulch spray dye treats up to 2,800 square feet
- Non-toxic, non-hazardous, and safe for plants, pets and humans
User questions & answers
Question: | Will this dye pine needles that are in my black mulch bed...dont want to try and pull them out |
Answer: | Yes it will dye the pine needles, leaves and grass too if you spray on those. Worked great. |
Question: | How to apply mulch color |
Answer: | I apply through a one gallon yard sprayer. |
Question: | What about flowers? How do I void not to get on them ? And also is it bad for the flowers will |
Answer: | You need to block plants/ flowers remember it is a die, it won't kill your plants / flowers but blocking them with a homemade block. Put a thick piece of heavy cardboard on a stick would do it. Hope this helps good luck |
Question: | How long does it last on the mulch? Days, weeks or months |
Answer: | This product is the same dye that is used at the mulch facilities. It will last the same as new bagged mulch. The great thing about this product is you can re-spray in about 45 days and you have a new look again. |
Product features
Directions
First apply water to sidewalks or other areas where treatment is not desired. Shake well before using. Mix 2-5 ounces of concentrate per gallon of water in a pump type sprayer. Set nozzle to medium mist. *Always test a small area for desired mixture. Apply 2-3 coats from different directions for best results and even appearance. Allow a few minutes between coats.
Choose From 3 Colors
Product description
Peach County Mulch Dye restores old faded mulch to a beautiful, freshly landscaped appearance. Peach County Mulch Dye adds instant curb appeal to any home or business. Peach County Mulch Dye is a commercial grade, professional pigment intended for a longer lasting, beautiful result. Do not allow over-spray to dry on undesired areas. Rinse as soon as possible.
- Mulch Dye restores old faded mulch to a beautiful, freshly landscaped appearance.
- Mulch Dye adds instant curb appeal to any home or business. The Mulch Dye is a commercial grade, professional pigment intended for a longer lasting, beautiful result.
- Directions: First apply water to sidewalks or other areas where treatment is not desired. Shake well before using. Mix 2-5 ounces of concentrate per gallon of water in a pump type sprayer. Set nozzle to medium mist. *Always test a small area for desired mixture. Apply 2-3 coats from different directions for best results and even appearance. Allow a few minutes between coats
- Non-toxic, non-hazardous, and safe for plants, pets and humans
- Restores faded mulch & adds instant curb appeal with a pure midnight black color Easy to use, simply mix 2-5 ounces of mulch color concentrate per gallon of water, point and spray
User questions & answers
Question: | Does it come with the spray attachment |
Answer: | No, it does not come with a sprayer. |
Question: | will this work on "new" un-dyed mulch |
Answer: | I think it would. You may just need a thicker coat. |
Question: | Will this dye old grass clippings |
Answer: | Yes the product will |
Question: | If this does not come with a sprayer how do I apply it |
Answer: | I just used an old one that I had bought for killing weeds. If you don’t have one I also saw a pump sprayer at Walmart for like $10 |
Product description
DeWitt enriched garden weed-barrier is made from all natural cellulose fibers. It is a 100-percent biodegradable paper mulch that decomposes at the end of the season. This garden mulch effectively eliminates weeds, helps reduce erosion, can moderate soil temperatures and can be worked in to the soil after the growing season. DeWitt garden weed barrier is the environmentally sound and acceptable replacement for plastic mulches and is a natural choice for the environmentally conscious.
- 100-percent biodegradable
- No clean up, tillable into soil
- Allows air and water through
- Made in United States
User questions & answers
Question: | Can i use this under wood chips to kill sod |
Answer: | This paper breaks down in a few months. It might work, but I would use 2 layers or use the product over several layers of newspaper with the wood chips over it all. Don't walk on it. It will tear and grass and weeds come through. |
Question: | Will Water go though this enought to keep your soil moist underneeth? Does it have problems with water run off causing a river of water to erode soil |
Answer: | Water goes through, or rather soaks through. A disadvantage of this product is the paper gets wet and tears quite easily if you walk on it, making a bare spot for light to get in and weeds to grow. This year it did not last the season as we had regular rain all summer and the paper dissolved after a couple months. It's a pretty good first layer, but it needs to be well covered with something else. Or, perhaps newspaper under it and hay or mulch on top of all. It's easier to lay down than dealing with newspapers blowing around, but it isn't thick enough to do the job on it's own. |
Question: | How thick is it |
Answer: | It's about like kids' construction paper but tougher. It tears, but not as easily. Thicker than copy paper. It isn't heavy enough to weigh down sod or weeds and it will tear if you walk on it without covering it with some sort of mulch. It will blow if the edges are not held down. I used it to cover a garden area I did not want to plant last summer. Covered the paper with a thick layer of straw and hay. No weeds. Lasted the season, now is just compost. |
Question: | how many feet on a roll and how wide |
Answer: | 4 ft wide, 300 ft long |
Product description
COLORBACK is a landscape liquid colorant used for restoring the natural color to existing discolored, faded or dormant areas such as pine-straw, mulch and grass/turf areas. It ensures the hue, strength and longevity of your ground-covering, reducing the added expense of replacing your mulch or pine-straw. Tested and proven environmentally safe for use around your home, children and pets. Ideal for winterization of plant beds by retaining moisture and preventing weed growth. COLORBACK provides a vibrant and rich color to your landscaped areas, adding unique appeal to your home.
- Treats up to 12,800 square feet of existing brown mulch area
- Makes 32 gallons of colorant
- For use in a pump sprayer
- Preserves existing ground-cover 3-4 times longer than non-treated areas, saving time, energy and money
- COLORBACK 12,800 Sq. Ft. Mulch Color Concentrate, 1-Gallon, Brown
User questions & answers
Question: | Can you use this on a fence |
Answer: | I used it on my dyed mulch and it worked Great on the mulch that had originally been dyed brown when I bought it and the color faded over a years time. This made it look like brand new mulch and lasted out the next year. I recently tried it on un-dyed natural color mulch to give it color...Looked great for about 3 weeks then the color faded. Not sure how it would work on a fence. I personally would recommend the tinted Thompson's water seal for a wood fence. I am not sure I would recommend on a fence |
Question: | Will this brown cover new red mulch |
Answer: | It works well on refreshing brown mulch. It is a dye and if the red mulch is fresh I am not sure how well the brown dye would soak into the mulch...Plus my thoughts are if the mulch gets disturbed then you will see the red pieces of mulch under the top layer of brown that you sprayed this dye on...I applied with my pump yard sprayer. |
Question: | Will this work on rubber mulch |
Answer: | It works great on regular much. I have not tried this on rubber mulch. |
Question: | Hello: what is the rain fastness of this product? Thank yoy |
Answer: | It dries and can be rained on within a few hours |
Product description
Specification
- Color: black
- Size: 12.6 Inch
- Shape: circle ring
- Material: non-woven fabric
Package Information
- 8 × tree mulch ring
- 20 × landscape staples stakes
Features
- Absorbing water and nutrition while keeping your plants breathing freely.
- Perfect solution to kitties and dogs who like to dig in your plants.
- Cuttable material meeting your various needs for different shapes pots.
- Non-woven material safe for your plants and good to our earth.
- 20 packs landscape staples stakes modifying your using experience.
- Easy to install and use, effective for plants protection!
- Perfect Weed Barrier: With 12.6 inch diameter, breathable material and circle ring shape, our non-woven fabric tree mulch ring will protect your plants away from weed invasion and lawn mower damage, meanwhile, providing moisture for soil.
- Non-Woven Material: Made of high quality degradable non-woven material, our tree protector mats are eco-friendly, breathable and lightweight, which can provide plants better living environment and grow thrively.
- Easy to Use: With pre-cut holes and seams, the tree mulch ring can be easily slide onto your tree trunk of any sizes. In addition, the 20 landscape staples stakes will help you fix the mats effectively.
- Wide Application: Our 8 pieces of tree mulch ring can not only be used for weed barrier, but also ideal for preventing animal's digging and damaging. Besides, it can provide tidy and neat appearance for your garden.
- Package Information: You will receive 8 pieces of tree mulch ring, sufficient for you to protect your plants. 20 packs of landscape staples stakes will also be provided for fixing the tree mulch ring.
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