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If you ’ve been into gardening for a while , you may be aware of the love - hate relationship about cedar mulch among gardeners . And if you ’re like most multitude , you may have prefer a side .
Those who dislike it contend that cedar mulches will kill other plants — especially germinating source or young seedlings as a result of what many believe are the allelopathic compound allegedly found in the mulch .
However , there ’s a mathematical group that swears by this eccentric of mulch .
They are convinced that aside from esthetics and the primary role similar to any other mulch , cedar mulch does repel bug .
And there are those who do n’t have a impregnable view about this debate . Those who are likely to consider the professional and yard bird before deciding on whether to use the mulch or not .
So , which side are you on ?
Regardless of your dip , there ’s something for everyone in today ’s post . The truth of the issue is ; while there are valid reasons for your impression , some are rather myths than the true .
I ’ve explored this topic extensively and here ’s everything you need to know about cedar mulch .
Let ’s begin :
What’s cedar mulch?
Cedar mulch is a character of constitutional material compose of cedar bark , sawdust , and other cedar woodwind particles . The mulch is useable in natural or scarlet - slanted variety and has a strong odor due to the presence of fickle oils .
These oils are release when the mulch is give away to heat and regular rain .
The mulch is essentially a bi - Cartesian product of the Eastern Cedar , Juniperus virginiana , which is considered an invasive species because of its encroachment onto U.S. pastures and rangeland .
It is also a host for cedar tree - apple rust and must be removed near Malus pumila orchards to foreclose the disease .
This is probably the reason why the result mulch stick a bad repute by extension .
Is Cedar mulch toxic?
As earlier highlighted , there ’s a group of gardener who believe that cedarwood mulch are toxic and therefore probable to kill other plants .
On the opposite , that is more of a myth than a fact since there ’s no scientific evidence to keep going these claim .
While it ’s scientifically true that some woody plants containallelopathic chemical , for example , Black walnut tree ( Juglans nigra ) , it has not been shown to have damaging effects on other plants when wood chip are used as a mulch .
However , there ’s a general consensus that volatile oils from cedar can repel or drink down other type of insects include mosquito , Musca domestica , little pismire , and tick .
Now , two question :
Is cedarwood mulch toxic to other flora ? the answer is no .
Is cedar mulch toxic to insect pest ? Probably , Yes - and will discuss more on this later .
Cedar mulch vs Cypress mulch
The two case of mulch have quite similar properties — include water retention and weed suppression ability .
The master departure between them is the aroma . Cedar mulch has a unassailable aroma due to its higher levels of fickle oils .
Cedar mulch vs hardwood mulch
Hardwood mulches are mostly composed of deciduous tree and have grim acidic levels than cedar mulch .
They also break down faster , offering more nutrient to the soil and plants . Hardwood mulch also assist keep dirt temperature cooler , make it slap-up for tropical climate .
Cedar mulch vs pine mulch
Pine mulches are often made from acerate leaf , cones , and barque of softwoods such as cypress and pine Tree . They hold moisture more expeditiously than true cedar mulches and are not as prostrate to acidity .
to boot , they tend to be less expensive than cedar mulch .
Does cedar mulch repel bugs?
The short solution is yes , cedar mulch does help fight off microbe due to the front of explosive oils in its piece of music .
However , you should deport in judgement that the effectiveness of this repellency may change depending on the type of bug .
allot tothis written report , the mulch is more efficacious on ants which are often relate with attractingaphidsand whiteflies .
Pros and Cons of cedar mulch
Cedar mulch has several advantages , such as smoke suppression and water keeping capability . It is also aesthetically pleasing and help oneself to repel bugs .
On the downside , it can be more expensive than other types of mulch and is not suitable for all mood .
Cedar Mulch application
When using cedar mulch , it is of import to see that you apply it correctly .
For good results , circulate the mulch in a 3 - 4 inch layer over dirt or around plants , take attention not to cover the stem or leaves of plants . H2O the mulch briefly after applications programme to ensure that it is properly adjudicate into the soil .
Conclusion
Cedar mulch can provide many benefit when used correctly . Its long - lasting properties , repel hemipteron capableness , and aesthetic charm make it a democratic choice for landscapers and gardeners likewise .
While there are some drawbacks , such as the potential for high toll and undesirable climates , its advantages make it a viable option for many garden .
We hope that this article has give you enough information to resolve whether cedar mulch is right for your project . With proper coating and maintenance , you could love its benefits for years to come .
