Black Shredded Mulch vs Construction Gravel
Side-by-side comparison of Black Shredded Mulch and Construction Gravel to help you choose the right gravel for your project.
Overview
Shredded hardwood mulch dyed black for a bold, modern landscape look. Rich black color makes green plants and colorful flowers stand out. Holds its color longer than brown mulch and provides the same moisture retention, weed suppression, and soil temperature regulation benefits.
Construction gravel is a broad category of mixed-size stone used for general building and site work. It typically includes a combination of crushed stone sizes suitable for base preparation and structural fill.
Common Uses
Black Shredded Mulch
- ✓ Landscape beds
- ✓ Tree rings
- ✓ Garden borders
- ✓ Foundation plantings
- ✓ Commercial landscaping
- ✓ Contrast beds
Construction Gravel
- ✓ Construction sites
- ✓ Base layers
- ✓ Backfill
- ✓ Temporary roads
Pros & Cons
Black Shredded Mulch
- + Bold black color creates striking contrast with plants
- + Holds color longer than natural brown mulch
- + Retains soil moisture reducing watering
- + Suppresses weed growth naturally
- + Insulates soil temperature
- − Dye can temporarily stain hands, concrete, and clothing
- − Needs replenishing every 1-2 years as it decomposes
- − Can attract termites if placed against structures
- − Fades to dark gray over time
- − Slightly more expensive than undyed mulch
Construction Gravel
- + Versatile material
- + Readily available
- + Cost-effective
- + Suitable for many applications
- − Inconsistent sizing
- − Not decorative
- − Varies by supplier
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Black Shredded Mulch | Construction Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $25 – $45 | $15 – $35 |
| Per cubic yard | $30 – $50 | $20 – $50 |
Sizes & Colors
Black Shredded Mulch
Shredded strips of bark and wood, typically 1-4 inches long, dyed with carbon-based black colorant. The dye is non-toxic and safe for plants and pets. Double-shredded black mulch mats together better and resists displacement.
Construction Gravel
Mixed crushed stone sizes ranging from fines to 1" or larger. Color varies by quarry source.
Published February 11, 2026
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