What Is The Difference Between Wood Mulches?
Cedar Mulch – The byproduct of the Forestry industry it is the bark and shavings from Cedar wood. The bark is peeled and shredded from the Cedar before being turned into dimensional lumber.
Pine Strip Mulch – The byproduct of the post making process. The pine strip is the part of the wood that is peeled off the log to make the standard size post.
Mixed Mulch – The by-product of cutting down trees within a municipality. Either they are too old, or dying, or the resident doesn’t want the tree any more. The tree is cut down and usually cut into big chunks to be used for firewood and the rest of the branches, leaves etc… get chipped up and hauled away.
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Cedar Mulch
Pro’s
Smells wonderful around garden beds
Slow to break down, and will remain intact for a long period of time in the garden (see also Con)
Has insect repellant qualities
Con’s
You can’t get it at the Backyard and Compost Corner
Loses color quickly
Slow to break down, and therefore will not contribute to the soil quickly, and may need to be removed if the aesthetic deteriorates.
Potential Fire Risk around structures
Not a locally made product and must be shipped in from BC
More expensive than other wood mulches
Pine Strip Mulch
Pro’s
Nice wood smell in flower beds etc…
Slow to break down
Will break down faster than a Cedar Mulch and will contribute to organic matter in the soil underneath the mulch, helping the soil to retain more moisture and become healthier.
Can be dyed in multiple colors for multiple aesthetics
Con’s
Will break down faster than Cedar mulch and will need to be replaced more frequently
Mixed Mulch
Pro’s
Nice wood smell in flower beds etc…
Contains green materials and will start breaking down faster than the pine strip or cedar mulch, which will contribute to organic matter in the soil underneath the mulch, helping the soil and mulch to retain moisture and become healthier overall
Lower cost than both the pine strip and cedar mulches
Con’s
Will contain branch pieces, cones and needles
Will break down faster than the pine strip or cedar mulch and will need to be replaced more frequently
Non-uniform appearance may not get you the aesthetic you were looking for.
