Black Shredded Mulch vs Crusher Run
Side-by-side comparison of Black Shredded Mulch and Crusher Run 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.
Dense blend of crushed stone and stone dust ranging from 1.5" down to fine particles. The fines fill voids between larger stones, creating a surface that self-compacts into an exceptionally firm, stable base. Crusher run is the most popular single-material solution for driveways and parking areas.
Common Uses
Black Shredded Mulch
- ✓ Landscape beds
- ✓ Tree rings
- ✓ Garden borders
- ✓ Foundation plantings
- ✓ Commercial landscaping
- ✓ Contrast beds
Crusher Run
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Parking areas
- ✓ Road base
- ✓ Foundation sub-base
- ✓ Backfill
- ✓ Equipment pads
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
Crusher Run
- + Self-compacts into an extremely stable surface
- + Single-layer application (no need for multiple grades)
- + Excellent load-bearing capacity
- + Affordable and widely available
- + Fines lock stones together to resist shifting
- − Not decorative — utilitarian gray appearance
- − Can become muddy if drainage is poor
- − Dusty in dry conditions
- − Tracks onto paved surfaces
- − Requires compaction equipment for best results
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Black Shredded Mulch | Crusher Run |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $25 – $45 | $20 – $35 |
| Per cubic yard | $30 – $50 | $25 – $45 |
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.
Crusher Run
Mix of angular crushed stone from 1.5" down to fine stone dust. The blend of sizes is what makes it self-compacting. Color is typically gray or blue-gray depending on source rock. Sometimes called "crusher run" because it's the raw output of a stone crusher.
Published February 11, 2026
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