Vigoro Premium Shredded Wood Mulch Review (2026)
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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- Mulching
- Weed suppression
- Moisture retention
A budget shredded-wood mulch for top-dressing beds: spread ~3 inches deep it holds moisture, moderates soil temperature and slows weeds, with a 12-month color guarantee in brown, red or black. It's a finishing layer, not planting soil, so don't till it in, expect brief surface-nitrogen tie-up, and water gently so dye doesn't stain pavers.
Pros
- Very inexpensive per bag and covers roughly 8 sq ft at a 3-inch depth
- Stabilizes soil moisture and temperature while slowing weed growth as a top layer
- Carries a 12-month color guarantee across brown, red and black options
Cons
- As a surface mulch it adds no nutrients and should not be tilled into planting soil
- Wood decomposition can temporarily tie up nitrogen at the soil surface
- Dyed mulch color can leach onto pavers for a day after installation if watered too soon
Specifications
| Type | Shredded wood landscape mulch |
|---|---|
| Composition | 100% premium shredded wood, colorant (brown/red/black options) |
| Organic | Natural wood (colorant added); breaks down over time |
| With fertilizer | No (surface top-dressing) |
| Bag size | 2 cu ft (covers ~8 sq ft at 3 in deep) |
| Best for | Top-dressing beds to hold moisture and slow weeds |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How deep should you spread wood mulch?
- About 3 inches, which is what the coverage figure assumes — one 2 cu ft bag covers roughly 8 sq ft at that depth. Thinner layers do not suppress weeds; much thicker can hold too much moisture against stems.
- Should you mix wood mulch into the soil?
- No. It is a surface top-dressing that adds no nutrients, and wood decomposition can temporarily tie up nitrogen at the soil surface. Tilling it in makes that worse.
- Does dyed mulch stain pavers?
- It can for about a day after installation if watered too soon. Let it settle before heavy watering, and sweep any stray pieces off hard surfaces. Color is guaranteed for 12 months across brown, red and black.