Suppresses Weeds
Blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, dramatically reducing germination in your beds.
What Mulch Does for Your Garden
Four jobs every good mulch layer handles at once.
Holds Moisture
Acts like a sponge, reducing how often you need to water. Especially helpful in dry Ottawa summers.
Regulates Soil Temperature
Insulates roots from summer heat and winter freeze-thaw cycles that are tough on Ottawa plants.
Instant Curb Appeal
A fresh layer makes your whole yard look cared-for. No other single improvement does as much, as fast.
Mulch Types Explained
The differences between pine, cedar, composted pine, and enhanced bark mulch.
Natural
Shredded Pine Mulch
A soft, light-brown natural mulch made from shredded pine. It's the most affordable option and breaks down the fastest, which is great if you want to build up your soil over time. Expect to refresh it every year for a clean look.
Natural
Shredded Cedar Mulch
Lasts longer than pine and gives off a pleasant cedar aroma. Cedar naturally repels some insects, which makes it popular around patios and walkways. Sits at a higher price point than pine, but typically holds up for 1–2 seasons.
Natural · Soil-building
Composted Pine Mulch
Pine mulch that has been partially broken down before delivery. It looks darker and finer than fresh pine, feeds the soil as it continues to decompose, and has a lower environmental footprint. Ideal for established beds where soil health is a priority.
Long-lasting colour
Enhanced / Dyed Bark Mulch
Bark-based mulch treated with a plant-safe colourant (black, brown, or red). Holds its colour the longest of any option, making flowers and greenery pop. It contributes less to soil building than composted mulches. The trade-off is appearance.
Mulch Colours Compared
Every look you can get across our Ottawa-area suppliers, from undyed naturals to long-lasting dyed options.
Natural Pine
UndyedSoft, light golden-brown. Rustic and understated. Fades to silvery-grey over the season as it ages naturally.
Natural Cedar
UndyedPale beige with visible fibres and a mild aromatic finish. Blends well with wood siding and natural-stone hardscape.
Composted Pine
UndyedDark, rich brown with a fine texture that reads almost like soil. Perfect for mature garden beds and woodland looks.
Black
DyedDeep, modern black. Makes bright flowers and green foliage pop. Suits contemporary homes and minimalist landscaping.
Chocolate
DyedWarm, earthy brown that blends with brick and stone. A safe, versatile pick for most Ottawa homes.
Rustic Red
DyedBold accent for front-yard beds. Pairs well with lighter-coloured homes and evergreen plantings.
Want a side-by-side visual of our other ground-cover materials? See the material selection page for riverstone sizes and mulch swatches.
Our Suppliers
We source mulch from two trusted local suppliers so we can match product availability to your project.
Greely Sand & Gravel
Greely, ONLong-standing Ottawa supplier with a full lineup of shredded and composted mulches.
- Natural Shredded Pine Mulch
- Black Shredded Pine Mulch
- Natural Shredded Cedar Mulch
- Black Shredded Cedar Mulch
- Rustic Red Shredded Cedar Mulch
- Chocolate Shredded Cedar Mulch
- Enhanced Black Bark Mulch
- Composted Pine Mulch
Miller's Farm
Manotick, ONA local Manotick farm and landscape-supply yard with a wide mulch selection.
- Natural Cedar Mulch
- Natural Pine Mulch
- Red Mulch
- Black Enhanced Mulch
- Composted Pine Mulch
Final product selection depends on seasonal availability and your project's needs. We confirm everything at quote time.
How Much Mulch & How Deep
A quick coverage reference and the rules we follow on every install.
Depth: 2–3 inches
This is the range that suppresses weeds and holds moisture without smothering roots. Under 2" is too thin; over 4" causes problems.
No volcano mulching
Never pile mulch against tree trunks or plant stems. Leave a few inches of clear space. Piled mulch traps moisture against the bark and invites rot and pests.
Keep it off the foundation
Leave a 15–30 cm gap between mulch and your house siding. This reduces moisture against the foundation and discourages ants and earwigs from using the mulch as a bridge.
| Depth | Coverage per Cubic Yard | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 2" | ≈ 160 sq ft | Refresh layer over existing mulch |
| 3" | ≈ 100 sq ft | Recommended depth for new installations |
| 4" | ≈ 80 sq ft | Only for very weedy or sloped beds |
Quick math: area (sq ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards needed. Not sure how much your beds need? We measure on-site at your free estimate.
Common Mulch Questions
The questions homeowners ask us most often. Straight answers, no upsell.
Are dyed mulches safe for pets, kids, and plants?
Yes. Reputable suppliers in Ontario, including Greely Sand & Gravel and Miller's Farm, use plant-safe iron-oxide and carbon-based colourants. The dye is fully set before delivery. We still recommend keeping pets and kids off freshly installed mulch for a day or so, and rinsing any stray dye off hardscape before it dries.
How often should mulch be refreshed?
Plan on an annual top-up of 1–2 inches for most Ottawa properties. Natural pine fades to grey within a few months and is usually refreshed yearly; cedar can stretch 1–2 years; dyed enhanced mulch holds its colour for one full season. Refreshing yearly also keeps weed suppression consistent.
Can I put new mulch on top of old mulch?
Usually yes, as long as the existing layer hasn't built up past 3 inches. If it has, rake the old mulch back and remove some before topping up. If the old layer is matted, crusted, or has a white fungal surface, break it up with a rake first so water can penetrate the new layer.
Does mulch attract insects or termites?
Mulch doesn't attract termites in the Ottawa climate. We're well north of typical termite activity zones. It can shelter ants and earwigs if applied too deep or piled against the foundation, which is why we follow the depth and gap rules above.
Want a hand picking the right mulch?
We measure your beds, walk through material options with you, and give you a clear written quote. Free, no-obligation.