Black Bark Mulch is a premium, double-ground decorative mulch that delivers a bold, modern look to any landscape. Its deep charcoal-black color is created using environmentally safe, non-toxic dyes designed to withstand sun exposure and North Bay weather conditions. This mulch provides excellent moisture retention, weed suppression, and soil temperature regulation, making it both a functional and aesthetic upgrade for residential and commercial landscapes.
 
Perfect for garden beds, tree rings, walkways, front yards, and high-visibility landscape areas where a clean, polished finish is desired. Black Bark Mulch is one of the most popular choices among homeowners, landscapers, and designers throughout Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Alameda and Contra Costa county area.
 
Video of all sizes
 
Common Uses & Applications — Black Bark Mulch
Black Bark Mulch is versatile and suitable for a wide range of landscape applications, especially where a clean, contemporary look is desired.
✔ Garden Beds & Planter Areas
Helps retain soil moisture, protect plant roots, and improve soil health while giving gardens a dark, uniform appearance.
✔ Front Yard & Curb Appeal Enhancements
Creates strong visual contrast against plants, lawns, and hardscape features—ideal for modern landscape designs.
✔ Around Trees & Shrubs
Provides weed suppression, regulates root-zone temperatures, and helps conserve water.
✔ Walkways & Pathways
Offers a natural, cushioned walking surface with striking color definition.
✔ Commercial & HOA Landscape Projects
Popular for hotels, business parks, apartments, and community common areas due to its clean, consistent color and polished finish.
✔ Erosion Control
Helps stabilize slopes and exposed soil, reducing runoff and washouts in landscape areas.
 
Material Specs & Technical Notes — Black Bark Mulch
Material Type:
Recycled wood dyed using water-based biodegradable colorant
 
Color:
Deep black / charcoal finish using non-toxic, environmentally safe colorants.
 
Size:
Mini: fine small shredded sticks (popular choice)
Small: flat-lay angular chips
Medium: small-medium size wood sticks
Large: medium-large size sticks (popular choice)
 
Weight & Density:
Approx. Weight: ~400–500 lbs. per cubic yard
Lightweight compared to rock products, making it easier to spread
Bulk Material: Sold by the cubic yard
 
Moisture Retention:
Excellent — helps reduce watering requirements and regulates soil temperature.
 
Weed Suppression:
Strong — works best when installed at 2–3 inches depth with weed barrier optional.
 
Longevity:
Color typically lasts 9–12 months, depending on sunlight exposure and irrigation.
Coverage Chart (Per Cubic Yard)
~150 sq ft 2" depth
~ 75 sq ft 4" depth
~ 50 sq ft 6" depth
 
Recommended installation depth:
2 inches for decorative areas
3 inches for weed suppression & moisture retention
4 inches for commercial or high-visibility landscape areas
 
Delivery Information — Black Bark Mulch
North Bay Materials provides fast, reliable dump-truck delivery of Black Bark Mulch throughout Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties. All mulch deliveries are made using our small, residential-friendly dump trucks—perfect for driveways, narrow streets, and job sites with limited access.
 
Delivery Method
Delivered loose in bulk by dump truck
Minimum order varies by location
Material is dumped in your designated accessible area (driveway, front yard, curbside, or jobsite pad)
 
Residential-Friendly Truck Access
Our trucks can access:
Most driveways
Tight residential streets
Private roads
Hill areas (when safe)
Commercial job sites
 
Dump Placement Requirements
To ensure safe delivery, the dump area must:
Be on flat, stable ground
Be free of low wires, tree branches, or obstacles
Have at least 10 ft height & side clearance
Have safe maneuvering space for the truck
 
Delivery Rates
Delivery is time-and-distance based
Standard trucking rate: $95/hour round-trip
Final delivery cost shown at checkout or quote confirmation
Additional charges may apply if:
Drop site requires extra maneuvering
A second attempt is needed
Material must be re-spread or hand-dumped (not included)
 
Important Notes
Color-enhanced mulch may leave temporary color marks when wet—avoid placing on white concrete.
Product color may vary slightly between loads due to natural materials and dye batches.
No walk-ins — delivery only.
 
Frequently Asked Questions — Black Bark Mulch
Q1. How much Black Bark Mulch do I need for my project?
Use our Material Volume Calculator or follow these guidelines:
2 inches deep: ~150 sq. ft. per cubic yard
3 inches deep: ~100 sq. ft. per cubic yard
4 inches deep: ~75 sq. ft. per cubic yard
For best weed suppression, install at 3 inches.
 
Q2. Will the black color fade over time?
Yes, all dyed mulches gradually fade due to sunlight, irrigation, and weather. Expect 10–18 months of strong color before natural softening. Areas in full sun may fade slightly faster.
 
Q3. Is the mulch dye safe for kids, pets, and plants?
Yes — the black color is created using non-toxic, environmentally safe dyes widely used in landscape mulches. Safe once dry.
 
Q4. Can Black Bark Mulch stain concrete or hardscape?
When wet, dyed mulch may leave temporary color marks on light-colored surfaces. We recommend installing during dry weather and get it dumped on a tarp.