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For years I've coveted cedar mulch (good looking but pricey) and walked right by cypress mulch (fuzzy on the details but - isn't it bad for the environment?).
With flower beds to replenish and mulch on my mind, I dug into the research, taking some time to truly understand the pros and cons of these two ever present evergreen mulches.
If you leave this blog post having learned one thing, I hope it's this: cypress mulch is a troubling choice if you care about wetlands and wildlife.
And another thing to know: during your journey to understand the mulch options available to you, there's a good chance you'll come across info claiming cedar mulch repels pollinators including butterflies. This is not true.
Also, if you're planning to use cardboard in your garden (lots of reasons not to do that), then cedar mulch might be a better choice as a top dressing. More on this below.
Sharing is caring! Here's to making the best mulch choice for our gardens - and our planet.
Benefits of Using Cedar and Cypress Mulches
Both cedar and cypress mulch supply all of the benefits of any organic mulch in that they:
- act as a top dressing that creates a protective layer on the soil surface that aids in water retention and helps to maintain soil moisture;
- regulate soil temperature by insulating soil from heat and cold;
- create a weed barrier that can stop weed growth and weed seed germination (apply a 3 to 4-inch layer of mulch and skip the landscape fabric); and
- promote plant growth and healthy plant roots by supplying nutrients and building soil integrity as they decompose.
Commonalities Between Cedar and Cypress Mulch
Cypress and cedar trees are both coniferous trees.
Both cedar and cypress trees are a softwood type of tree. (I stumbled upon quite a bit of bad info on the internet claiming that cedar trees are hardwood trees; they are not.)
The mulch produced from both cedar and cypress trees is organic mulch that can add acidity to your soil as they break down. This can have negative effects if your soil is already acidic as it could tip the scales and render your garden beds too acidic for many plants. (Learn about other things to consider when choosing the best mulch for your garden.)
Both cedar and cypress mulch can last years, but that also means it takes a while for them to break down and provide nutrients to your soil and plants.
Both cedar and cypress mulch are available in the form of woodchips or as shredded mulch. The shredded mulch variety knits together to form a mat, creating a particularly effective layer of protection that stays where you put it. (Learn more about what causes mulch to move and how to keep it in place.)
Lastly, you can easily find cypress and cedar mulches at garden centers and big box stores like Home Depot.
Cedar Mulch Pros and Cons
Cedar Mulch Pros
Unlike cypress trees, cedar trees are plentiful and are not a controversial source of mulch.
Cedar wood mulch is a by-product of cedar lumber processing. This means what could be headed to the landfill is instead turned into a useful product: mulch.
Cedar mulches last a long time - 3-5 years - compared to other mulches.
The natural oils in cedar trees has a distinct fragrance that many people find to be a pleasant aroma.
From cedar you get a naturally reddish mulch that retains its color longer than other mulches including dyed mulches.
Cedar Mulch Cons
Cedar-based mulches are more costly. You can get a lot of the same benefits you get from cedar from other types of mulch with less out of pocket expense. (If cost is a concern, purchasing mulch in bulk is a cost saving option. Or consider woodchips which can be obtained for free.)
Cedar's fragrance can trigger allergic reactions. If you spread it, proceed with caution.
Pollinators, Insects & Cedar Mulch
Some people suggest that cedar oil and fragrance are natural bug repellants, and they call out pollinators including butterflies as among the repelled.
I found one reference from a credible source citing scientific research that mentions cedar mulch possibly impacting the ground nesting bee which is pollinator. I didn't find any other references to cedar repelling pollinators.
About termites: Research conducted by the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program and Cornell University's Cooperative Extension Program, concluded that cedarwood oil can negatively affect mosquitos, fleas, some ants, moths and beetles, and termites.
Now, you may have read our post that dives into reasons to not use cardboard in your garden, including the fact that termites love cardboard.
It seems that cedar doesn't actually repel termites; they simply don't prefer it. If you're committed to using the cardboard sheet mulching method - despite its termite-attracting and other concerning qualities - you'll likely want to throw anything you can at this potential termite problem. It's not clear that cedar mulch will help - maybe? - but it probably won't hurt either.
Cypress Mulch Pros and Cons
Cypress Mulch Pros
Cypress mulch is naturally rot resistant.
Cypress mulch lasts in the range of 2-3 years - not as long as cedar but longer than many other mulches.
Cypress Mulch Cons
Concerns for the environment are real when it comes to cypress mulch:
Cypress mulch is less expensive than cedar to purchase at the store. But if you're inclined to include environmental costs in your purchasing decisions then you'll have to up-tick the number on the price tag of a bag of cypress mulch.
Cypress forests serve the larger ecosystems they inhabit by providing a place for floodwaters to collect, and by filtering the water that they live and grow in. Cutting them down to use for mulch eliminates these environmentally beneficial activities.
Mature cypress forests provide wildlife habitats and breeding grounds for amphibians, ducks, fish, and raptors such as bald eagles. The practice of cutting down cypress trees for mulch endangers these habitats.
Rapid deforestation of cypress tree ecosystems has had negative environmental effects on the areas where these trees live and for the wildlife that inhabit them. Cypress trees grow very slowly, taking about a century to mature. It's not possible to quickly regenerate a cypress forest - or the natural habitats these forests can provide.
If you're using cypress mulch because you've heard it has aromatic, pest- and rot-resistant qualities, that's no longer the case. Cypress mulch used to be a by-product of mature cypress lumber processing. Mature trees do have these qualities. But demand increased and producers switched to using immature trees that don't have these qualities. Today, cypress mulch isn't particularly distinct from other wood mulches.
Also to note, the cypress mulch available today is typically a cypress mulch blend that incorporates other types of wood, further diluting the qualities that once made cypress mulch highly sought after.
Parting Thoughts About Cypress Mulch
It's not clear whether the practices that many environmentalists and scientists have claimed to have caused rapid deforestation of mature (and immature) cypress forests continue today.
I have read that the demand for, and production of, this mulch has decreased over the last decade or so. And there is evidence that cypress forests are making a comeback.
At the same time, the southern US states where the pond cypress trees and bald cypress trees used to create cypress mulch grow are experiencing other threats to cypress forests such as salt water spilling into fresh water habitats that cypress trees call home. Cypress can't survive in salt water.
Sigh.
There are so many mulch options available to us that are eco-friendly and beneficial for our gardens. Cedar is one; bark mulches, hardwood mulch, and wood chips are others.
Depending on your use case - landscape beds, vegetable gardens, tree surrounds, paths - other mulches are likely a good option. Alternatives include hardwood mulches, bark chips and shredded bark, pine mulches like pine needles, pine bark mulch, ground-up leaves, grass clippings -- so many different types of mulch to choose from.
A Plea for Cypress Trees
It's heartening to know that cypress forests are on the rise again. Keeping consumer demand for cypress mulch - including cypress mulch blends - low, or null, will help foster the conditions for these trees and the habitats they house to regenerate and thrive.
So, the next time you're exploring your mulch options, maybe skip the cypress mulch, check out the cedar mulch, and definitely consider the many other types of mulches that have only positive environmental impact.
And don't forget: you can get your hands on woodchips for free!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Cedar Mulch FAQs
What are the benefits of using cedar mulch in gardens?
Cedar mulch is an organic mulch and so it provides many benefits including retaining soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and regulating soil temperature. It's known for its pleasant aroma and long-lasting durability. It breaks down slowly, which makes it a great choice for gardeners who don't want to replace mulch every year.
Does cedar mulch repel insects and pests?
There is research that concludes that cedarwood oil, which is present in fresh cedar mulch, negatively impacts some mosquitos, fleas, some ants, moths and beetles, and termites. While it's present in cedar mulch cedarwood oil it can offer some bug deterring qualities, but it's not a foolproof solution.
How long does cedar mulch last before it needs replacement?
Depending on environmental conditions cedar mulch can last 2 to 3 years - even longer in low-traffic areas. Its durability is one of its biggest strengths. It breaks down slowly compared to many other organic mulches which makes it a good long-term investment.
Is cedar mulch safe for all types of plants?
Cedar is a durable mulch option that decomposes slowly. As it breaks down it can slightly acidify soil over time. Over the years, continuously replenishing beds with more cedar mulch can create a less than optimal environment for plants that prefer alkaline soil.
Does cedar mulch affect soil acidity or nutrient levels?
Cedar mulch adds acidity to soil as it decomposes. The change in soil acidity is not typically enough to harm most plants, especially if you're using it as a top layer and not mixing it into the soil. However, if you continuously replenish with cedar mulch over many years the effect on the soil will be heightened.
Cypress Mulch FAQs
What are the advantages of using cypress mulch in landscaping?
Cypress mulch has a clean, uniform appearance, and resists rot and fungus. It's an organic mulch that decomposes slowly, enriching the soil as it breaks down and offering many advantages in the garden including retaining moisture, regulating soil temps, and suppressing weeds. It's important to note that harvesting cypress trees is an unsustainable practice with negative environmental consequences, and that the benefits and advantages offered by cypress mulch can be found in other organic mulches.
Is cypress mulch resistant to decay and how durable is it?
Cypress mulch is no longer rot resistant. This doesn't mean it won't decompose; it will break down over 1 to 3 years depending on environmental conditions and level of foot traffic. The cypress mulch available today comes from immature cypress trees that don't have the rot resistant qualities of mature cypress trees. Also, the cypress mulch available today is typically a blend that incorporates other types of wood which further dilutes the qualities - aromatic, rot and fungus resistant - that once made cypress mulch highly sought after.
Are there any environmental concerns associated with harvesting cypress for mulch?
Much of the cypress mulch sold in big-box stores comes from wetlands in the southeast region of the US, particularly Louisiana and Florida. Cypress trees serve the larger ecosystems they inhabit by providing a place for floodwaters to collect, filtering the water that they live and grow in, and providing wildlife habitats and breeding grounds. Cypress are slow-growing trees that are often harvested unsustainably which can damage fragile ecosystems. If you are committed to using cypress mulch look for mulch made from cypress byproducts or check for sustainable certifications.
Cedar vs Cypress Mulch FAQs
Which mulch is better for pest control: cedar or cypress?
Cedar mulch contains cedarwood oil which offer some insect and pest repelling qualities, especially when cedar mulch is fresh. Cypress mulch used to have many more beneficial qualities for the garden but because the cypress trees used for mulch are today harvested when they're immature, these qualities haven't had time to develop. What's lacking in the trees is lacking in the mulch made from the trees.
How do the longevity and decomposition rates of cedar and cypress mulch compare?
Cedar mulch and cypress mulch are both durable organic mulches. They can last 2 to 3 years depending on environmental conditions and functional requirements (for example, high vs low foot traffic).
Are there significant differences in cost between cedar and cypress mulch?
Cedar and cypress mulches are usually about the same cost with variation by region. Cedar can be slightly more expensive upfront. However, if sustainability and eco-friendliness are important to you, you might factor the environmental cost of harvesting cypress trees - which can be high - into your mulch purchase decision making.
Which mulch type offers better weed suppression: cedar or cypress?
Both cedar and cypress mulch are organic mulches that offer all of the benefits of organic mulch including weed prevention when mulch is applied at the appropriate depth.
How do cedar and cypress mulches differ in terms of environmental impact and sustainability?
Cedar is often harvested from managed forests or produced from sawmill by-products, making it a more sustainable option. Unless clearly labeled as sustainably sourced, the cypress harvesting process has been known to contribute to wetland deforestation and habitat loss, negatively impacting regional ecosystems and the planet.
So, Now You Know
Cedar and cypress mulch are organic mulches and so they both offer many benefits in the garden.
But the harvesting process used to generate cypress mulch is detrimental to the ecosystems where it's grown, wreaking havoc on the environment.
Also qualities such as rot and fungus resistance that once set mulch from cypress trees apart from general purpose wood mulches are no longer on offer. These qualities aren't present in the immature cypress trees that are processed into mulch nowadays.
If your choosing between cypress and cedar or any other type of mulch, factoring in the many environmental costs associated with cypress mulch production is an important step in the decision making process.
Whichever mulch you choose, here's an easy way to create landscape edging and garden borders to contain it. Check out 2xEDGE Staples and transform two-by (2x) lumber into terrific looking, long lasting edging using the lumber of your choice.
Related Links You Might Like
What Does Mulch Do? Basics, Benefits & Best Practices
Bark vs Mulch: What Is the Difference (and How Do Wood Chips Fit Into This)?
Bagged vs Bulk Mulch vs FREE: Which is Best and Why? (Updated 4/3/2024)
How To Make a Mulch Bed in Your Garden (Easy DIY Guide)
How To Keep Mulch In Place: Garden Edging For The Win!
Easy & All Wrong! The DIY Cardboard Method In the GardenPhoto Credits
Credit for any image displayed in this article that isn't listed below belongs to 2xEDGE LLC.
 Jan Canty (left: cedar trees) on Unsplash.  gang coo (right: cypress trees) on Unsplash.
 Casey Horner on Unsplash.
 The Tampa Bay Estuary Program on Unsplash.
 gang coo on Unsplash.
