Cedar Versus Hardwood Mulch

Unlike many other types of organic mulch cedar mulch resists decay so it takes a lot longer to decompose than hardwood or leaf mulches.

Cedar versus hardwood mulch.

Nitrogen depletion is another problem with cedar wood mulch as well as most other organic types of mulch. Cypress mulch is an aesthetically pleasing light colored mulch that is also aromatic. Hardwood mulches are derived from the shredded or chipped bark and heartwood of trees including oak poplar and maple. Twice ground cedar mulch is finely ground and will compost faster.

Therefore it contains a great deal more nutrition for your plants and as it decomposes it greatly improves the soil in your gardens. Cedar mulch is available in wood chip form but that type is more expensive than shredded and is much heavier and denser than bark shreds. Mulching your garden helps protect your plants improves water retention cuts down on weeds and can strengthen soil integrity all while giving garden beds an. Shredded hardwood bark mulch is made from 100 tree bark and not ground up wood.

Conversely hardwood mulch could cost as much as 2 29 per 2 cubic foot bag depending on the type and quality of the leftover bark. Shredded hardwood bark mulch. Cedar has a beautiful golden brown color that looks attractive around plants. Cypress mulch averages about 1 49 per 2 cubic foot bag.

Earthgro hardwood mulch also at the home depot in selected stores 2 59 per bag 2 cu. Cedar mulch is a stringy shredded wood that lasts longer than hardwood mulch. It is long lasting like cedar. As the wood shreds and chips break down into the soil they use up the nitrogen in the soil.

This means it won t need to be replenished as frequently. Cedar contains natural oils that smell wonderful but also deter some pests and insects. Hardwood mulch is often made of oak but. Despite the name hardwood mulches actually decompose faster in the landscape than cedar or pine bark mulch owing to a higher cellulose content.

Because of its staying power hardwood mulch is ideal for sloped beds and gardens in wet climates. Triple shredded mulch costs more than double shredded mulch. Hardwood mulch is fibrous and knits together well which inhibits soil erosion and weed germination while retaining moisture.