Why Houston Homeowners Choose Black Mulch
Black mulch has become the go-to choice for Houston landscaping, and for good reason. Against the green lawns and colorful plants of our subtropical climate, black mulch creates a striking visual pop that makes your landscaping look professionally designed.
Our premium black hardwood mulch is dyed using carbon-based colorants—the same organic compounds found naturally in rich soil. It's completely safe for your plants, pets, children, and even vegetable gardens.
Popular Uses in Houston
Flower Bed Borders
Creates a clean, defined edge that makes flowers and ornamental plants pop against the dark backdrop.
Foundation Plantings
Gives your home's exterior a polished, magazine-worthy look that boosts curb appeal instantly.
Tree Rings
Defines the space around trees while protecting roots and retaining moisture during Houston's hot summers.
Modern Landscapes
Perfect for contemporary home designs where clean lines and bold contrasts are key design elements.
Tropical Gardens
Makes the vibrant greens of Houston's tropical plants like palms and elephant ears really stand out.
Commercial Properties
Popular with HOAs and businesses for its clean, professional appearance and long-lasting color.
Why Black Mulch Works in Houston
Moisture Retention
Reduces watering needs by up to 50% during our brutal summer heat
Soil Temperature
Keeps roots cooler in summer, warmer during rare freezes
Weed Suppression
Blocks sunlight to prevent weed germination—less pulling for you
Erosion Control
Protects soil during Houston's intense afternoon thunderstorms
Black vs. Brown Mulch: Which Is Right?
| Feature | Black Mulch | Brown Mulch |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Modern homes, bold landscapes | Traditional, wooded settings |
| Visual Effect | High contrast, dramatic | Natural, subtle |
| Heat Absorption | Absorbs more heat (roots stay warmer) | Reflects more heat (slightly cooler) |
| Shows Debris | Hides dirt, shows leaves/petals | Hides leaves, shows lighter debris |
| Color Fade | Fades to gray over time | Fades to lighter brown |
| Price | $35.00/cubic yard | $32.00/cubic yard |
How Much Black Mulch Do You Need?
The standard recommendation for Houston is 3 inches of mulch depth. Here's a quick guide:
| Bed Size | At 3" Depth | Approximate Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft (10×10) | ~1 cubic yard | ~0.5 ton |
| 200 sq ft | ~2 cubic yards | ~1 ton |
| 500 sq ft | ~5 cubic yards | ~2.5 tons |
| 1,000 sq ft | ~10 cubic yards | ~5 tons |
Pro Tip: Our mulch calculator does the math for you. Just enter your bed dimensions and we'll tell you exactly how much to order.
Application Tips for Houston
When to Apply
The best times to apply mulch in Houston are:
- Early Spring (February-March): Before the growing season and summer heat
- Fall (October-November): Protects roots during winter and looks fresh for the holidays
Avoid mulching in peak summer (July-August) if possible—the heat makes the work miserable and can stress recently mulched plants.
Application Steps
- Remove old, decomposed mulch if it's more than 4 inches deep
- Edge beds cleanly for a crisp look
- Pull weeds and apply pre-emergent if desired
- Spread mulch 3 inches deep, keeping 2-3 inches away from plant stems
- Water lightly to settle mulch and activate color