Brown Shredded Mulch vs Rip Rap
Side-by-side comparison of Brown Shredded Mulch and Rip Rap to help you choose the right gravel for your project.
Overview
Shredded bark and wood from trees like oak, hickory, and maple. Retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Decomposes slowly over time, adding organic matter to the soil. Adds a natural, finished look to landscape beds.
Large, heavy, angular stones ranging from 6 to 24+ inches used primarily for erosion control. Rip rap protects shorelines, stream banks, bridge abutments, and steep slopes from water erosion. The heavy weight and interlocking shape resist displacement by flowing water and wave action.
Common Uses
Brown Shredded Mulch
- ✓ Landscape beds
- ✓ Tree rings
- ✓ Garden borders
- ✓ Erosion control
- ✓ Playground surfaces
- ✓ Slope stabilization
Rip Rap
- ✓ Shoreline protection
- ✓ Stream bank stabilization
- ✓ Bridge abutments
- ✓ Steep slope stabilization
- ✓ Culvert outlets
- ✓ Retaining wall faces
Pros & Cons
Brown Shredded Mulch
- + Retains soil moisture reducing watering
- + Suppresses weed growth naturally
- + Insulates soil temperature
- + Decomposes to enrich soil over time
- + Attractive natural brown color
- − Needs replenishing every 1-2 years as it decomposes
- − Can attract termites if placed against structures
- − May temporarily rob nitrogen from soil as it breaks down
- − Floats and washes away in heavy rain
- − Can develop mold in overly wet conditions
Rip Rap
- + Extremely effective at preventing water erosion
- + Heavy weight resists displacement by water
- + Long-lasting — lasts decades with no maintenance
- + Angular shape interlocks for stability
- + Natural appearance blends with waterside environments
- − Very heavy — requires heavy equipment to place
- − Expensive for large projects
- − Not suitable for foot traffic
- − Requires engineering design for major installations
- − Limited decorative appeal
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Brown Shredded Mulch | Rip Rap |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $20 – $40 | $35 – $80 |
| Per cubic yard | $25 – $45 | $45 – $100 |
Sizes & Colors
Brown Shredded Mulch
Shredded strips of bark and wood, typically 1-4 inches long. Natural brown color that fades to gray over time. Double-shredded mulch is finer and mats together better, resisting wind and rain displacement.
Rip Rap
Large angular stones typically 6-24 inches in diameter, though some applications use stones up to 36 inches or larger. Weight ranges from 25 to 500+ pounds per stone. Colors vary by source quarry — typically gray, blue-gray, tan, or brown. Sold by the ton rather than by the yard.
Published February 11, 2026
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