You love your trees and want them to grow strong and healthy. You water them, trim dead branches, and take good care of them. One great way to boost tree health is by creating mulch rings around them.
Mulch helps trees in many ways. It keeps grass and weeds from stealing nutrients, holds in moisture, keeps the soil warm, and protects tree trunks from damage by mowers and trimmers. But with so many mulch options out there, you might wonder what’s best: cedar mulch or cypress mulch?
Let’s compare cedar mulch and cypress mulch so you can choose the best mulch for your trees.
Cedar Mulch vs. Cypress Mulch: What’s the Difference?
Cedar Mulch is made from the bark and wood of redcedar trees. It has a reddish color and a pleasant smell. Bulk cedar mulch naturally resists decay, which means it can last about 3 to 5 years before needing replacement. Cedar wood chips for sale are often easy to find and provide a beautiful look for your garden.
On the other hand, cypress mulch comes from cypress trees and has a golden-brown or orange color. It also has a nice smell and resists decay, but it only lasts about 2 to 3 years. Cypress mulch for sale might be cheaper, but cypress trees are becoming less common, making it harder to find this mulch.
Cedar Mulch vs. Cypress Mulch: Which One is Better?
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of cedar mulch and cypress mulch to help you decide which is right for you:
Pros of Cedar Mulch
Long Lasting: Cedar mulch can last 3 to 5 years in your garden, which means you won’t have to replace it often.
Repels Insects: The strong smell of cedar helps keep harmful bugs away.
Eco-Friendly: Using cedar wood chips is good for the environment since redcedar trees are more common and can be invasive.
Cons of Cedar Mulch
Can Be Expensive: Cedar mulch for sale might cost more than cypress mulch.
Slow Nutrient Release: Cedar mulch releases nutrients slowly, so it doesn’t feed plants as quickly as some other mulches.
Pros of Cypress Mulch
Affordable: Cypress mulch is often cheaper than cedar wood chips.
Good for Soil: As it breaks down, cypress mulch adds nutrients to the soil.
Cons of Cypress Mulch
Not Eco-Friendly: The cypress tree population is decreasing, so it’s better not to use too much cypress mulch.
Shorter Lifespan: Cypress mulch breaks down faster than cedar mulch and needs replacing more often.
Can Increase Soil Acidity: If you have plants that don’t like acidic soil, cypress mulch might not be the best choice.
Can You Mix Cedar and Cypress Mulch?
It’s not the best idea to mix cedar mulch and cypress mulch in your garden. Cypress mulch can harm the environment because cypress trees are becoming rare. It’s better to stick with cedar wood chips or cedar mulch for sale for your landscaping needs.
Do Cedar and Cypress Mulches Attract Termites?
Both cedar and cypress mulches can attract termites, but they are more resistant because of their heartwood. If you find termites in your mulch, it’s a good idea to call a professional to help.
When choosing between cedar mulch and cypress mulch, consider your budget, how long you want the mulch to last, and environmental impact. Bulk cedar mulch is a great choice for long-lasting and eco-friendly mulch, while cypress mulch for sale might be better for a temporary solution.