Red mulch landscaping ideas for your exterior as well as details on which red mulch product to buy and where to find it.

Red mulch is a popular landscaping choice that can add a pop of color to any outdoor space. Made from shredded wood or rubber, it's known for its ability to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth. It is also an eco-friendly option, as it is often made from recycled materials.

In my opinion, the downside to adding it to your landscape beds is that it's hard to know if it "goes" with your house colors. Honestly, a more-muted or darker color goes with a lot of different house styles and colors but the bright red mulch doesn't.

More businesses use red mulch instead of brown mulch but that's not the case when it comes to home owners. I took a walk around a few neighborhoods the other day trying to find inspiration to share and only walked away with one picture that I took. But don't fret, because I'm sharing other great inspiration that I found below, too.

It's a bit hard to see in this next photograph, but the house used a muted red mulch around their flower beds and then brought in red on their garage doors as well. I really thought that carrying the color from the yard to the house was done really well!

What is Red Mulch?

Red mulch is a popular type of mulch used in gardening and landscaping. It is made from a variety of materials, such as recycled rubber or wood chips, and is dyed red to add a decorative element to outdoor spaces. The dye used to color the mulch is typically iron oxide, a compound of iron and oxygen that is commonly found in nature.

Benefits of Using Red Mulch

Helps prevent weeds

One of the primary benefits is that it helps prevent weed growth. It creates a barrier between the soil and the sun, which prevents weed seeds from germinating. This means that you will spend less time weeding and more time enjoying your garden.

Helps retains moisture

It's also excellent at retaining moisture in the soil. The mulch acts as a barrier, preventing water from evaporating quickly. This means that you will need to water your plants less often, which can save you time and money.

Adds nutrients to soil

Red mulch also adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. As the mulch breaks down, it releases nutrients into the soil, which can help improve the health of your plants. This means that you will not need to use as much fertilizer, which can save you money and reduce your environmental impact.

Different Types of Red Mulch

For me, the biggest difference in how the mulch looks is in the types of red mulch. There are several types available on the market, including wood chips, rubber mulch, and dyed mulch.

Wood Chips

Wood chips are a popular choice. They are made from shredded wood and can come from a variety of sources, including pine, cedar, and cypress. Pine wood chips are the most common and are known for their bright red color. Cedar and cypress wood chips are also available in red, but they tend to be darker in color.

One of the benefits of using wood chips as mulch is that they are a natural product and will break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil. However, they do require regular replacement as they decompose.

Honestly, the red wood chips are my favorite because they tend to be more natural in color.

Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch is made from recycled tires and is a popular choice for those looking for a more eco-friendly option. It is available in a variety of colors, including red. Rubber mulch does not decompose like wood chips, which means it does not need to be replaced as often.

One of the downsides of using rubber mulch is that it can get hot in the sun, which can be harmful to plants. It also does not provide any nutrients to the soil.

In all honesty, I wouldn't use rubber mulch unless you were planning to use it under a play structure. I think it looks really nice and does provide cushion under a play set.

Dyed Mulch

Dyed mulch is made from wood chips that have been dyed to achieve a specific color. Red dyed mulch is a popular choice for those looking for a bright pop of color in their landscape. The dye used to color the mulch can be made from a variety of sources, including iron oxide or organic, soy, or vegetable-based dyes.

One of the benefits of using dyed mulch is that it retains its color for longer than natural wood chips. However, it can be more expensive than other types of mulch and may contain harmful contaminants if the dye is not organic.

Although this isn't a house (it's a business), I like how the dyed mulch looks with the building color.

Overall, there are several types of red mulch available on the market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Take into consideration your needs and preferences when choosing the best type of red mulch for your landscape.

How to Spread Red Mulch

Red mulch is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their landscape. Below, are the steps to follow when spreading red mulch.

Preparing the Area

Before spreading, it's important to prepare the area. This includes removing any weeds, debris, or old mulch from the area. The soil should be moist but not wet when spreading the mulch.

Calculating the Amount of Mulch Needed

To calculate the amount of red mulch needed, measure the length and width of the area to be covered and multiply the two numbers together to get the square footage. Then, determine the desired depth of the mulch. For most applications, a depth of 2-3 inches is recommended. Use the following table as a guide for determining the amount of mulch needed:

Depth (inches)	Coverage (sq. ft.) per 1 cubic yard
1	324
2	162
3	108

Applying the Mulch

Once the area is prepared and the amount of mulch needed is calculated, it's time to apply the red mulch. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Shovel the mulch from the wheelbarrow or bag into small piles.
2. Use a rake or your hands to spread the mulch evenly, making sure to avoid piling it against the base of plants or trees.
3. Smooth the mulch out with a rake or your hands, making sure to cover all areas evenly.
4. Water the area lightly to help settle the mulch in place.

To maintain it's color, you'll want to add new red mulch every year to the landscaping.

Red Mulch Landscaping Ideas

I mentioned that I thought this color was a bit tricky to use, so I wanted to share some inspiration images that I felt used red mulch well!

Flower Beds

The red here feels pretty bold but I think it's a nice pop of color against the natural house. When the plants grow a bit and mature, instead of the mulch being the focal point, it'll be a decorative accent in this flower garden.

Decorative Landscaping

I do think red mulch can be used for decorative landscaping especially with a white house and lots of boulders to help make the area feel more natural.

Check out my post on rock landscaping ideas to help inspire you.

Where to Buy Red Mulch

If you're looking to buy red mulch for your garden or landscaping project, there are several options available both online and at local garden centers.

Online Retailers

• Lowe's: Lowe's carries several types, including bagged mulch and bulk mulch. They offer free in-store pickup or delivery for a fee.
• Home Depot: Home Depot also offers both bagged and bulk red mulch for sale. They offer free delivery on orders over a certain amount.
• Amazon: Amazon has a variety of options available for purchase, including bagged and bulk mulch. Keep in mind that some options may come from third-party sellers, so be sure to read reviews before making a purchase.

Local Garden Centers

If you prefer to shop in-person, many local garden centers and nurseries carry red mulch. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping at a local garden center:

• Availability: Not all garden centers will carry red mulch, so be sure to call ahead to check if they have it in stock.
• Price: Prices may vary depending on the location and availability. It's a good idea to compare prices at different garden centers before making a purchase.
• Quality: When purchasing red mulch in-person, you can inspect the quality of the mulch before buying. Look for mulch that is evenly colored and free of debris.

Overall, whether you choose to buy red mulch online or at a local garden center, be sure to do your research and compare prices to ensure you're getting the best deal.

I'll be keeping my eye out on my neighborhood walks for even more inspiration with this color to share with you! I know there are more houses using it well, I just have to find them.