Black Mulch Myths: Heat Absorption and Plant Health

Q: I love the look of black mulch, but a neighbor says it absorbs heat and harms plants. Is that true?

A: Black mulch is perfectly fine as long as you maintain a proper depth of one to two inches. Deeper layers can trap excess moisture and heat, potentially leading to sour mulch that releases harmful chemicals or encourages unwanted mushrooms. Stick to the recommended depth and your plants will thrive.