Black Shredded Mulch vs Crushed Limestone
Side-by-side comparison of Black Shredded Mulch and Crushed Limestone 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.
Crushed sedimentary rock with a pale gray to white color. Compacts well and provides good drainage. Limestone is a popular choice in the Midwest and South where it's quarried locally, keeping costs low.
Common Uses
Black Shredded Mulch
- ✓ Landscape beds
- ✓ Tree rings
- ✓ Garden borders
- ✓ Foundation plantings
- ✓ Commercial landscaping
- ✓ Contrast beds
Crushed Limestone
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Pathways
- ✓ Base material
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Parking pads
- ✓ Erosion control
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
Crushed Limestone
- + Compacts into a firm, stable surface
- + Light color brightens landscapes
- + Good drainage properties
- + Affordable in limestone-rich regions
- + Natural weed suppression when compacted
- − Can become muddy when wet (stone dust)
- − Limited color options
- − May raise soil pH over time
- − Dusty in dry conditions
- − Not available everywhere
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Black Shredded Mulch | Crushed Limestone |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $25 – $45 | $20 – $45 |
| Per cubic yard | $30 – $50 | $25 – $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.
Crushed Limestone
Available from fine limestone screenings up to 3-inch chunks. Most common sizes are 3/4" and 1.5". Color ranges from pale gray to off-white, sometimes with a slight yellow tint. Compacted limestone screenings create a smooth, almost concrete-like surface.
Published February 11, 2026
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