Maintaining the Deep Colour of Black Mulch: A Simple Care Guide

Black mulch adds a sharp, clean contrast to garden beds, paths, and borders. Over time, though, sun, rain, and wind can cause it to fade. With a little upkeep, you can keep that deep tone longer and avoid frequent full replacements.

Why Black Mulch Fades

The rich colour of black mulch comes from natural or non-toxic dyes. While safe for plants, these pigments gradually break down under UV exposure. Calgary’s sunny, dry conditions can speed up this process, especially during summer.

Moisture, heavy rain, and snowmelt can also wash away surface colour particles, leaving the mulch looking lighter.

Step 1: Rake the Surface

Raking black mulch isn’t just about tidiness—it helps maintain colour. Over time, the top layer takes the brunt of sun and weather, while the material underneath stays darker.

Use a rake to:

• Loosen compacted areas for better water flow
• Bring unfaded mulch from the lower layers to the surface
• Remove debris that can trap moisture and promote decay

This quick refresh can instantly restore some of the original tone without adding new material.

Step 2: Turn and Aerate

Turning mulch with a shovel or garden fork helps distribute colour evenly and prevent mould in damp spots. Aerating also improves air movement around the soil surface, which benefits plant roots.

It’s best to do this in early spring and late summer to keep the mulch looking even throughout the growing season.

Step 3: Top Up Annually

Even with good care, black mulch will lose some colour over time. Adding a thin top layer—about 1 inch—each year keeps the appearance consistent.

When topping up:

• Match the new mulch type to your existing material for uniform colour
• Spread evenly to avoid patchy tones
• Avoid piling too close to plant stems or tree trunks

Step 4: Plan for Seasonal Protection

If you want to extend colour life further:

• Use garden fabric or edging to limit mulch movement and washout
• Place mulch in areas with partial shade to reduce UV exposure
• Refresh high-visibility spots more often than less-seen areas

Free Delivery for Black Mulch in Calgary

We supply ½-yard, 1-yard, and 2-cubic-yard bags of black mulch with free delivery in Calgary—no added fees, no pickups required.

Conclusion

Maintaining the colour of black mulch is simple with regular raking, turning, and topping up. These steps keep your landscape looking sharp, protect soil, and reduce the need for full mulch replacement.