Black Shredded Mulch: Size, Uses, and Cost Per Ton (2026)
Also called: Black Dyed Mulch, Black Bark Mulch
Black Shredded Mulch at a Glance
| Size | Shredded strips of bark and wood, typically 1-4 inches long, dyed with carbon-based black colorant. |
|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 800 to 1,200 lbs (0.40 to 0.60 tons) |
| Cubic yards per ton | 1.67 to 2.50 |
| Cost per ton | $25 to $45 per ton |
| Cost per cubic yard | $30 to $50 per cubic yard |
| 10-ton truckload | $250 to $450 before delivery |
| Compaction | Minimal (0%). Stays loose, needs edging. |
| Best for | Landscape beds, Tree rings, Foundation plantings, Commercial properties |
| Wrong for | Driveways, Walkways (decomposes), Direct contact with home siding, Vegetable gardens (dye concern) |
What Is Black Shredded Mulch?
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.
Project guide: Landscaping With Gravel: How Much to Order, Depth by Use, and Cost
How Much Black Shredded Mulch Do I Need?
Draw your project area on the map to get an instant material estimate for Black Shredded Mulch.
Plan your gravel project
Type your address, trace the area on a satellite photo, and see how many tons to order.
Loading the planner...
Start typing and pick your address from the list. The map jumps straight to your property.
Your satellite view shows up here
Enter an address in step 1. Then click around the edge of the spot you want to cover and the planner does the math.
What Black Shredded Mulch Costs in 2026
Black Shredded Mulch costs $25 to $45 per ton, or $30 to $50 per cubic yard. A 10-ton single-axle truckload runs $250 to $450 before delivery. An 18-ton tandem load runs $450 to $810. Delivery adds $50 to $150 within 10 to 15 miles of the supplier.
| Quantity | Material cost |
|---|---|
| 1 ton | $25 to $45 |
| 1 cubic yard | $30 to $50 |
| 10-ton single-axle load | $250 to $450 |
| 18-ton tandem load | $450 to $810 |
| 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep | $10 to $27 |
Very lightweight — a standard dump truck can carry 15-20 cubic yards. Color-safe dye won't leach into soil. Allow 24 hours after spreading before watering to let dye set.
Prices vary by region and order size. See the gravel cost per ton guide and the delivery cost guide.
How Much Black Shredded Mulch for Common Projects
Tons include 0% compaction and a 10% waste allowance. Formula: cubic yards = square feet x depth in inches / 324.
| Project | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons to order | Material cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 20 ft patio (200 sq ft) | 2 in | 1.2 | 0.5 to 0.8 | $13 to $36 |
| 12 x 40 ft driveway (480 sq ft) | 4 in | 5.9 | 2.6 to 3.9 | $65 to $176 |
| 3 x 50 ft walkway (150 sq ft) | 3 in | 1.4 | 0.6 to 0.9 | $15 to $41 |
Different size? Use the gravel calculator or convert with the tons to yards calculator.
Where Black Shredded Mulch Works and Where It Fails
Best uses
- ✓ Landscape beds
- ✓ Tree rings
- ✓ Foundation plantings
- ✓ Commercial properties
Wrong uses
- ✗ Driveways
- ✗ Walkways (decomposes)
- ✗ Direct contact with home siding
- ✗ Vegetable gardens (dye concern)
Common Uses
- ✓ Landscape beds
- ✓ Tree rings
- ✓ Garden borders
- ✓ Foundation plantings
- ✓ Commercial landscaping
- ✓ Contrast beds
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Bold black color creates striking contrast with plants | − Dye can temporarily stain hands, concrete, and clothing |
| + Holds color longer than natural brown mulch | − Needs replenishing every 1-2 years as it decomposes |
| + Retains soil moisture reducing watering | − Can attract termites if placed against structures |
| + Suppresses weed growth naturally | − Fades to dark gray over time |
| + Insulates soil temperature | − Slightly more expensive than undyed mulch |
Black Shredded Mulch Sizes and Colors
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.
Compare Black Shredded Mulch With Other Materials
Side-by-side size, cost, drainage, and best-use comparisons.
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Pea Gravel
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Crushed Stone
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Crushed Limestone
- Black Shredded Mulch vs River Rock
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Decomposed Granite
- #57 Gravel vs Black Shredded Mulch
- #8 Gravel vs Black Shredded Mulch
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Crusher Run
- #89 Stone vs Black Shredded Mulch
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Fill Dirt
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Topsoil
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Brown Shredded Mulch
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Rip Rap
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Compost
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Washed Gravel
- Bank Run Gravel vs Black Shredded Mulch
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Marble Chips
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Lava Rock
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Stone Dust
- #411 Gravel vs Black Shredded Mulch
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Construction Gravel
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Recycled Asphalt
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Bluestone
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Jersey Shore Gravel
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Mexican Beach Pebble
- #4 Stone vs Black Shredded Mulch
Project Guides That Use Black Shredded Mulch
Black Shredded Mulch by City
Suppliers stock Black Shredded Mulch in these cities:
Find Black Shredded Mulch Near You
10291 Ophir Rd, Newcastle, California
3095 Green-Dewitt Rd, Cuero, Texas
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Buckeye, Arizona
501 Spur 316, Pottsboro, Texas
New York, New York
100 N Washington St, Boston, Massachusetts
5260 Duncan Rd, Punta Gorda, Florida