Mulch guide
Black, brown, or natural mulch?
All three work well. Here is how they differ.
Black
$23 a yard. Dyed, with strong contrast against plants and stone. A modern look.
Brown
$23 a yard. Dyed, with a warmer, more traditional look.
Natural
$15 a yard, or 3 yards for $35. Undyed ground wood in the wood's own color. It changes color as it weathers. Good for large areas or a tighter budget.
What all three do
They help hold moisture in the soil, slow weeds, and keep soil temperatures steadier.
Good to know
Dyed mulch fades with sun and rain, so some people add a thin top layer every year or two. Color and texture vary from load to load.
More mulch guides: How much mulch do I need? | How to lay colored mulch