Dyed Mulch Guide
Dyed mulch (color-enhanced mulch) comes in red, black, and brown and maintains its color longer than natural wood mulch. The dye is typically iron oxide (for red/brown) or carbon (for black) -- both are non-toxic and safe for plants and pets. The base wood is usually recycled pallets or construction wood, which is why dyed mulch costs $5-10 more per yard than natural mulch.
The color advantage lasts about 3-6 months in full sun before fading. After that, dyed mulch looks similar to natural mulch. If year-round color is the priority, plan to top-dress with a thin layer of fresh dyed mulch in late summer.
One caution: dyed mulch made from recycled wood may contain trace chemicals from treated lumber. For vegetable gardens or areas where children play, natural untreated mulch is the safer choice.