Cedar Versus Hardwood Mulch

Despite the name hardwood mulches actually decompose faster in the landscape than cedar or pine bark mulch owing to a higher cellulose content.

Cedar versus hardwood mulch.

It is long lasting like cedar. Shredded hardwood bark mulch. Twice ground cedar mulch is finely ground and will compost faster. As the wood shreds and chips break down into the soil they use up the nitrogen in the soil.

Cypress mulch is an aesthetically pleasing light colored mulch that is also aromatic. Shredded hardwood bark mulch is made from 100 tree bark and not ground up wood. Therefore it contains a great deal more nutrition for your plants and as it decomposes it greatly improves the soil in your gardens. Cedar has a beautiful golden brown color that looks attractive around plants.

Nitrogen depletion is another problem with cedar wood mulch as well as most other organic types of 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. It naturally repels insects and has natural fungus resistance. 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.

Cedar contains natural oils that smell wonderful but also deter some pests and insects. Cypress mulch averages about 1 49 per 2 cubic foot bag. 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.

Hardwood mulches are derived from the shredded or chipped bark and heartwood of trees including oak poplar and maple. Triple shredded mulch costs more than double shredded mulch. Cedar mulch is a stringy shredded wood that lasts longer than hardwood mulch. Earthgro hardwood mulch also at the home depot in selected stores 2 59 per bag 2 cu.

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