Cedar Versus Hardwood Mulch

Because of its staying power hardwood mulch is ideal for sloped beds and gardens in wet climates.

Cedar versus hardwood mulch.

Hardwood mulch is often made of oak but. Hardwood mulches are derived from the shredded or chipped bark and heartwood of trees including oak poplar and maple. Shredded hardwood bark mulch. Cedar has a beautiful golden brown color that looks attractive around plants.

Additionally prices may vary on shredded mulch. Made of shredded bark from hardwood trees such as maples and oaks this sturdy mulch compacts over time so it resists blowing or washing away. 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 is made from 100 tree bark and not ground up wood.

Cedar mulch is a stringy shredded wood that lasts longer than 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. Triple shredded mulch costs more than double shredded mulch. Nitrogen depletion is another problem with cedar wood mulch as well as most other organic types of mulch.

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. 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. Cedar contains natural oils that smell wonderful but also deter some pests and insects. Twice ground cedar mulch is finely ground and will compost faster.

Hardwood mulch is fibrous and knits together well which inhibits soil erosion and weed germination while retaining moisture. As the wood shreds and chips break down into the soil they use up the nitrogen in the soil. It is long lasting like cedar. Earthgro hardwood mulch also at the home depot in selected stores 2 59 per bag 2 cu.

Despite the name hardwood mulches actually decompose faster in the landscape than cedar or pine bark mulch owing to a higher cellulose content. This means it won t need to be replenished as frequently. Cypress mulch is an aesthetically pleasing light colored mulch that is also aromatic.