Finding Mulch Sources

• 1). Acquire a local, regional or metropolitan business telephone directory, such as the Yellow Pages. Look up businesses under categories "Landscape Equipment and Supplies" and "Mulches." Review ads that list mulch and write down contact phone numbers and addresses.
  
  
• 2). Visit garden centers and landscape maintenance company offices. Look to see what mulches they sell and how the mulch is sold, such as by the bag, pallet or in loose form.
  
  
• 3). Ask appropriate questions in the search for the perfect black mulch. Refrain from only asking closed-ended questions such as "Do you sell quality black mulch?" Inquire by asking to see the available dark-colored mulches on the sales lot.
  
  
• 4). Request a referral to help you locate other sources that may have a more extensive selection of mulches. Garden centers and landscape companies may not display all mulches available. They have wholesale suppliers and distributors that may sell directly to the consumer or offer less common mulch types or colors.
  
  
• 5). Contact your local city or county governments. Many municipalities offer compost and other mulch products made from local yard waste, some at little or no cost.
  
  

Evaluating Mulch Quality

• 1). Specifically ask to see the black mulch. A display bed showing the color, look and texture of the mulch in the garden setting provides insight into its colorfastness and aesthetics.
  
  
• 2). Request to see the black mulch up close, ideally touching it. A quality mulch meets the description on its label or advertised quality. Ask if a bag of mulch can be opened.
  
  
• 3). Examine the mulch that interests you. Smell the mulch; it should not be fetid. Feel the texture of the mulch to ensure it is uniform and does not contain construction debris such as nails or wood block chips. Note that the black color is uniform. Ensure there are no ants, termites or other pests infesting the material.
  
  
• 4). Ask if the mulch can be wetted. The color of black mulch changes in intensity when compared between fully dried and after a rainfall. Does this meet your aesthetic expectations for "black" mulch?
  
  
• 5). Inquire of the origin of the mulch. Locally or regionally produced mulch is more easily obtained and sometimes less expensive. Find out if the mulch was ethically harvested, such as if it was obtained by clearing virgin forest, made from mixed landscape debris, or obtained from diseased plant material.
  
  
• 6). Ask life-expectancy of the mulch. Depending on the parent material of the mulch, it may break down quickly and require reapplication more frequently than you desire.