The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Wood Mulch

The Pros and Cons of Hardwood, Bark, and Colored Mulches

So, you’re staring down your garden or landscape beds and thinking… “This needs something.” It’s too bare, too dry, or just plain boring. What it needs is mulch—nature’s ultimate multitasker.

But before you go ordering a truckload “from whomever of whatever’s on sale”, let’s break down the 4 most popular mulch types we carry here at Tim Wallace Landscape Supply: Hardwood Mulch, Colored Mulch, Shredded Bark Mulch, and Bark Nugget mulch. Each has its pros, a few cons, and a perfect place in your yard.

 

Landscaper’s Mixed Hardwood Mulch: The “Workhorse” Mulch

Landscaper’s Mixed Hardwood Mulch is the result of shredding both the bark and branches (white wood) of a tree.

✅ Features:

• Composition: A blend of outer bark and inner white wood (branches, limbs, sometimes small logs).
• Texture & Color: Lighter in color (often light brown to tan), finer in texture due to repeated shredding. Aged from about a year for that light brown color.
• Breakdown Rate: Breaks down faster than bark-only mulch because white wood decomposes more quickly.
• Cost: The most economical option –  less expensive than bark-only mulch.

⚠️ Considerations:

• Color Fades Faster: Exposure to sunlight causes the lighter wood fibers to bleach more quickly.
• Nutrient Tie-Up Risk: As it decomposes, white wood can temporarily tie up nitrogen in the soil, especially if worked in.
• Weed Barrier: Still effective, but slightly less dense than pure bark, so weed suppression may not be quite as strong.

Best For: Natural landscapes, large beds, woodland borders, budget-friendly refreshes.

 

Dyed or Colored Mulch: The “Style-Statement” Mulch

Dyed mulch, also known as colored mulch or colorant-added mulch, is a popular landscaping option thanks to its bold appearance and long-lasting color. It’s typically made from ground-up recycled wood that’s been treated with a safe, non-toxic, water-based dye.

Here’s a full breakdown of the pros, cons, best uses, and an honest look at the safety of the colorants used.

🎨 What Is Dyed Mulch?

Dyed mulch is wood mulch that has been enhanced with colorants to create consistent, eye-catching colors such as:

• Black
• Brown
• Red
• Brite Gold

The mulch itself is usually recycled hardwood or softwood (not bark), sourced locally, ground to a medium, double-processed texture, then sprayed or soaked with a water-based dye.

 

✅ Pros of Dyed Mulch

Feature	Benefit
Bold, Uniform Color	Gives a neat, polished, and modern appearance to any landscape.
Long-Lasting Color	Typically holds color longer than natural wood mulches—up to a full season or more.
Variety of Colors	Offers visual options to complement homes, hardscape, or flower colors.
Slower Breakdown	Since it’s made from processed wood, it decomposes more slowly.
Cost-Effective	Usually priced competitively compared to bark-only mulches.

Availability                 Readily available in both bulk and bags.

 

⚠️ Cons of Dyed Mulch

Issue	Consideration
Potential Source Wood	Often made from recycled wood
Color Fades Over Time	Sunlight and weather will cause color to fade—especially red.
May Leach Dye When Fresh	Freshly dyed mulch can bleed onto sidewalks or driveways after heavy rain if not fully dried before application.
Poor Soil Enrichment	Provides little to no organic benefit to the soil due to slow decomposition and lack of nutrients.
Needs Reapplication for Appearance	Though durable, it may need refreshing every year for consistent color.

 

✅ Best Uses in Landscaping

Location	Suitability
Foundation Beds	✅ Great for eye-catching contrast against buildings or stone.
Commercial Properties	✅ Popular for high visual impact and low maintenance.
Formal Beds/Entrances	✅ Creates a clean, manicured look.
Walkways & Islands	✅ Good for defining paths and high-visibility areas.
Vegetable Gardens	⚠️ Use caution—avoid mixing into soil or using near edibles.

🧪 Is Dyed Mulch Safe?

Yes—when made and sourced responsibly, dyed mulch is generally safe for:

• Humans
• Pets
• Plants

🌱 About the Colorants:

• Our reputable supplier uses non-toxic, water-based dyes, similar to those used in the cosmetics or food industries.
• Common ingredients: iron oxide (for red), carbon black (for black), and other mineral-based pigments.
• These dyes bind to the wood surface and are biodegradable over time.

⚠️ Safety Caveats:

• Beware of cheap mulch. Don’t solely base your purchase decision on price.
• Be cautious if the mulch comes from unknown or disreputable sources, as it could include:

• Treated or painted wood (not a good choice for veggie gardens)
• Toxic adhesives or preservatives

• Reputable bulk suppliers, like Tim Wallace Landscape Supply, source clean wood and use only approved colorants.

 

📌 Pro Tips for Using Dyed Mulch

• Wait 24–48 hours after installation before watering or rain to let the dye fully set.
• Apply 2–3 inches deep for optimal weed suppression and appearance.
• Avoid dyed mulch in vegetable beds or where you mix mulch into soil.
• Rake and top off annually to refresh color without needing a full replacement.

 

We carry Black, Brown, Brite Gold and Red colored mulch made from dyed hardwood.

Each of these Colored Options:

• Holds color for months—hello curb appeal!
• Creates sharp contrast with plants, stone, or brick.
• Often used by professional landscapers for its bold, polished look.
• Dyed using a eco-friendly colorant that’s safe for plants and pets

Cautions:

• The color fades after a season or two and may need refreshing.
• Not ideal for veggie gardens—best used in ornamental beds.

Best For: Front entrances, commercial properties, or beds you want to pop.

 

Premium Hardwood Blended and Bark Mulch: The “Most Popular” Mulch

When you enter into the realm of “premium” mulch, that means that the product:

Features:

• Composition: Made only from the outer bark of hardwood trees (often oak).
• Texture & Color: Darker, richer color (reddish-brown to dark brown), more fibrous and stringy texture.
• Breakdown Rate: Slower to decompose, making it longer-lasting in the landscape.
• Aesthetics: Maintains its color and structure better over time.

Pro’s:

• Longer-lasting. Bark mulch (especially double-shredded) holds its structure and color better since it’s made from all or mostly all the bark of a tree.
• Bark- based mulch shreds more evenly giving you a more consistent product.
• Our Blended Hardwood Much is 60% shredded bark and 40%  hardwood chips and provides the most economical option within the premium mulch category.
• Our Premium Hardwood Mulch is 99% shredded bark and our most popular mulch option.
• Both the Blended and the Premium Hardwood mulches are naturally dark-brown.
• Slower to break down, meaning less frequent reapplication. Either option can be turned over with a rake after the first year for a fresh, rejuvenated look.
• Gives your beds a more refined, decorative look.

Cons:

• Typically more expensive than hardwood.
• May not mix into soil as easily for gardens.

Best For: Front yard beds, ornamental gardens, anywhere you want a clean, professional appearance.

 

Triple Processed Oak Mulch: The “Fancy” Mulch

Triple-processed shredded oak mulch is a premium, finely textured natural mulch made exclusively from oak bark. It is highly regarded for both its aesthetic appeal and landscaping performance. Here is a complete breakdown of its features, benefits, drawbacks, and best uses:

 

🌳 What Is Triple-Processed Shredded Oak Mulch?

This mulch is made by grinding oak bark three times through a shredder. The result is a very fine, uniform, dark brown mulch with a soft, fluffy texture. It’s often referred to as:

• Triple-ground oak mulch
• Shredded oak fines

 

✅ Pros of Triple-Processed Shredded Oak Mulch

Feature	Benefit
Fine, Uniform Texture	Gives a clean, manicured look—ideal for formal beds and high-visibility areas.
Dark Natural Color	Rich chocolate brown or auburn brown color that deepens when wet and weathers gracefully over time.
Excellent Weed Suppression	Dense matting helps block sunlight and smother weeds.
Superior Moisture Retention	Fine particles lock in moisture around plant roots.
Breaks Down into Rich Organic Matter	As it decomposes, it improves soil structure and adds nutrients—great for long-term plant health.
Low Wind Displacement	Because it’s so fine and dense, it resists blowing away, even in windy conditions.

 

⚠️ Cons of Triple-Processed Oak Mulch

Issue	Consideration
Breaks Down Faster	Because of its fine texture, it decomposes quicker than coarser mulches—needs refreshing more often.
Can Mat Down	If applied too thick, it may form a crust that limits water and air penetration (especially in heavy rains).
Not Ideal for Slopes	Lighter and finer, so it may wash away slightly on steep inclines.
May Be More Expensive	Triple processing and premium oak material can increase cost compared to general hardwood mulch.

 

🌼 Best Uses for Triple-Processed Oak Mulch

Landscape Area	Suitability
Formal Landscape Beds	✅ Excellent for clean, polished garden aesthetics.
Perennial & Annual Beds	✅ Great for delicate flowers and ornamentals—fine mulch won’t smother small plants.
Around Trees & Shrubs	✅ Holds moisture well and enhances soil health over time.
Vegetable Gardens	⚠️ Can be used on surface paths or aisles, but not ideal as a soil amendment due to nitrogen drawdown.
Wind-Prone Areas	✅ Stays in place better than coarser mulches.
Slopes or Erosion Zones	❌ Use coarser mulch or wood chips instead—this one may wash away.

📌 Pro Tips for Application

• Apply at 2–3 inches deep—don’t go over 3″ to avoid matting.
• Rake or fluff occasionally to prevent crusting and allow better water/air flow.
• Reapply or turn-over annually for best color and weed control.
• Avoid compacting during application—let it stay fluffy.

Features:

• Processing: The bark is shredded three times, producing a much finer, almost soil-like consistency.
• Texture: Very fine and uniform—almost fluffy.
• Appearance: Clean, polished, manicured look. Darker in color due to tighter compaction and finer particles.
• Application: Spreads very smoothly and easily, creating a neat, uniform mulch layer.
• Functionality:

• Excellent for weed suppression due to tight compaction.
• Superior moisture retention.
• As it breaks down it adds nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.

 

• Premium Black Oak

Premium Black Oak is made from 99% oak-bark fines, 1% ground oak wood and triple processed for a fine texture. Our darkest-brown hardwood mulch, it is ideal for shrub plantings and perennial beds. This mulch is so-named as it uses only the quality bark of black oak trees.

• Premium Red Oak

Premium Black Red is made from 99% oak-bark fines, 1% ground oak wood and triple processed for a fine texture. Its alluring reddish-brown color further refines your landscape plantings and perennial beds. This mulch is so-named as it uses only the quality bark of red oak trees.

 

Bark Nugget Mulch: The “Chunky-Monkey” Option

What Is Nugget Mulch?

Nugget mulch is made from the outer bark of trees—most commonly pine or Douglas Fir—and processed into chunky, irregular nuggets instead of being shredded. The size of the nuggets can vary (mini, small, medium, large), depending on the supplier.

 

🌲 Common Types

1. Pine Bark Nuggets

• Made from the bark of Southern Pine trees.
• Reddish-brown in color, often lighter when fresh.
• Light in weight and aromatic when first applied.

2. Western Douglas Fir Nuggets

• Harvested from Douglas Fir bark, often from the Pacific Northwest.
• More reddish or chocolate-brown in tone.
• Slightly heavier and more durable than pine.

3. Play Mat

Ensure your children’s safety by installing only the best material under play equipment. Made of uniform hardwood chips, Play Mat meets the Consumer Safety Commission Guidelines for playground surfaces. It also allows for wheelchair access.

 

✅ Pros of Nugget Mulch

Feature	Benefit
Long-Lasting	Larger bark chunks decompose slowly—can last 2–3+ years.
Decorative Look	Attractive, clean appearance for formal beds and high-visibility areas.
Excellent Drainage	Nuggets don’t compact—allows for good airflow and water movement.
Color Retention	Natural dark brown tones hold up well over time.
Weed Suppression	Thick coverage helps block sunlight and prevent weed growth.
Low Maintenance	Requires less frequent replenishing than shredded mulches.

⚠️ Cons of Nugget Mulch

Issue	Consideration
May Float or Wash Away	Lightweight nuggets can float during heavy rains, especially on slopes. (That’s why shredded mulch is referred to as “no float” mulch.)
Can Blow Around	Wind-prone areas may see nugget displacement.
Not Ideal for Slopes	Won’t stay in place like shredded or fibrous mulch.
Can Attract Termites	Like any wood product, use caution near home foundations.
Slow to Break Down	Not a good choice if you’re trying to enrich soil quickly.

 

🌼 Best Uses in Landscape Beds

Application	Suitability
Foundation Beds	✅ Great for decorative, low-traffic areas
Tree Rings	✅ Very attractive and long-lasting
Formal Gardens	✅ Clean, structured appearance
Sloped Beds	❌ Not ideal—nuggets may slide or wash away
Annual/Perennial Beds	⚠️ Use caution—may not suit fast-changing planting areas
Paths or Walkways	✅ Works well if edges are defined to contain movement

 

📌 Pro Tips for Using Nugget Mulch

• Apply 2–3 inches deep for best weed control and moisture retention.
• Use edging (brick, steel, or deep trench) to help contain the nuggets.
• Avoid over-application near building foundations due to pest concerns.
• Rake lightly once or twice a year to freshen appearance and redistribute.

 

Specialty Mulches: The “Aromatic” Option

Shredded Cypress and Shredded Cedar mulches are two aromatic, long-lasting, and naturally insect-resistant mulch options that are popular in many landscaping applications. While they have a lot in common, each has its own unique qualities. Here’s is a breakdown of their pros, cons, and best uses:

 

🌳 SHREDDED CYPRESS MULCH

✅ Pros:

Feature	Benefit
Aromatic	Has a pleasant, clean woodsy scent when fresh.
Insect-Resistant	Natural oils help deter insects (though not a guaranteed pest repellent).
Long-Lasting	Decomposes slowly due to its resin content and dense fibers.
Color Stability	Maintains a light tan to golden brown color longer than hardwood mulches.
Mats Together Well	Forms a tight, moisture-retaining barrier—good for weed suppression and water conservation.

⚠️ Cons:

Issue	Consideration
Mats Too Tightly	Can form a thick crust that restricts water/air if applied too thick.
Environmental Concerns	Cypress is often harvested from wetlands—sourcing can be controversial if not sustainably managed.
Not Great for Soil Building	Very slow to break down—adds little organic matter to the soil.
Can Be Slippery	Not ideal for walkways or paths where traction is needed.

🌼 Best Uses:

• Decorative beds, foundation plantings, and tree rings.
• A traditional favorite for use in vegetable gardens to deter insects.
• Areas where long-lasting mulch is preferred.
• Low-maintenance beds not requiring frequent turnover.

 

🌲 SHREDDED CEDAR MULCH

✅ Pros:

Feature	Benefit
Strong Aromatic Scent	Natural cedar fragrance is long-lasting and pleasant.
Excellent Insect Resistance	Naturally repels certain pests (like ants, moths, termites, and roaches) more effectively than most other mulches.
Fibrous Texture	Shreds interlock well and resist erosion—good for windy areas and slopes.
Slow to Decompose	Long-lasting mulch with minimal fading.
Color	Reddish-gold to cinnamon brown color stays rich for months.

⚠️ Cons:

Issue	Consideration
Expensive	Typically more costly than hardwood or dyed mulches.
Limited Nutritional Value	Breaks down slowly, so it won’t enrich the soil much.
May Acidify Soil Slightly	Not a problem for most plants, but worth noting for sensitive species.

🌼 Best Uses:

• Beds near homes where insect control is a plus.
• High-end decorative beds or commercial landscapes.
• Sloped areas or windy spots where other mulches may shift.
• Around shrubs, evergreens, and ornamental trees.
• In vegetable gardens as an insect deterrent.

 

🌿 Comparison Table

Feature	Shredded Cypress	Shredded Cedar
Scent	Mild, earthy	Strong, distinct cedar aroma
Color	Light tan to golden	Reddish to cinnamon brown
Durability	Very long-lasting	Very long-lasting
Weed Suppression	Excellent (mats tightly)	Excellent (fibrous lock)
Insect Resistance	Moderate	High
Soil Enrichment	Minimal	Minimal
Best For	Low-maintenance beds, tree rings	Decorative beds, insect-sensitive areas
Cost	Moderate	Higher

💡 Quick Mulch Tips from the Pros:

• Apply 2–3 inches for best weed suppression and moisture retention.
• Don’t “volcano mulch” around trees—leave breathing room near trunks!
• Freshen up mulch in early spring and again in mid-summer if needed.

 

🛻 Need Mulch by the Yard? We’ve Got You Covered

At Tim Wallace Landscape Supply, we sell bulk mulch by the yard (and some options are available in bags) ready for pickup or delivery. Whether you’re tackling a small backyard bed or a full-scale landscape overhaul, we’ve got the mulch (and the know-how) to make it happen.

👉 Order today or give us a call to talk mulch with a real human.

We’ll help you choose the perfect type, figure out how much you need, and get it to your driveway in no time flat.

📍 1481 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL

📞 (630) 759-5552

🌐www.timwallacelandscapesupply.com

Because the right mulch doesn’t just cover your soil—it elevates your whole yard.