Mulch is a protective layer applied over the soil surface that serves several important functions in a garden. Its primary purposes are to suppress weed growth, regulate soil temperature, and maintain soil moisture by reducing water evaporation. Deciding on the right type of organic mulch can impact the health and appearance of your landscape. This article compares cypress and cedar mulch, examining their distinct properties and practical applications to help you choose the best material.
Distinct Properties of Cypress Mulch
Cypress mulch has a fine, shredded, and fibrous texture, which allows the pieces to interlock when applied. This matting quality helps keep the mulch in place on slopes and in windy areas. However, it may become compacted over time if not periodically raked. The shredded wood helps it hold moisture, making it an effective choice for conserving water. Cypress mulch initially presents a light brown or golden-brown color. It breaks down faster than cedar mulch, generally lasting around two to three years before needing replenishment.
Distinct Properties of Cedar Mulch
Cedar mulch is known for its distinctive, pleasant aroma, which comes from natural aromatic oils (phenols) present in the wood. This mulch is generally coarser than cypress, consisting of chips and shavings. It is highly resistant to decomposition, often remaining effective for three to five years. Cedar mulch typically displays a rich, reddish-brown hue when fresh, and this color tends to persist longer than many other wood mulches. The natural oils contribute to its longevity and give it a reputation for deterring certain insects.
Key Functional Differences and Practical Application
Moisture Retention and Texture
The fibrous, shredded nature of cypress mulch makes it superior at retaining moisture compared to the coarser texture of cedar. Cypress fibers interlock to form a dense barrier that effectively seals the soil, significantly reducing water evaporation. This capability makes cypress a preferred choice in hot, dry climates where water conservation is a primary concern. Conversely, cedar mulch’s coarser, less uniform texture allows for slightly better air and water penetration into the soil, but it may also dry out more quickly on the surface.
Longevity and Pest Deterrence
When considering longevity and cost, cedar mulch offers a better long-term value because of its slow decomposition rate. The natural resistance of cedar means that while its initial cost may be higher than cypress, it requires less frequent replacement. Cypress mulch breaks down more quickly, necessitating reapplication every two to three years, which increases the cumulative cost and labor over time. Cedar’s natural oils, including the compound Thujone, provide a tangible benefit as a natural deterrent against certain garden pests such as termites, ants, and moths. While cypress mulch is sometimes advertised as pest-resistant, cedar’s chemical compounds offer a more reliable deterrent effect.
Appearance and Maintenance
In terms of appearance, both mulches offer an attractive look, but their color performance differs under prolonged sun exposure. Cedar’s rich, reddish hue is generally more colorfast and retains its vibrancy for a longer duration before eventually fading to a gray color. Cypress mulch, with its lighter golden-brown color, tends to fade to a silvery-gray more rapidly than cedar. Both mulches effectively suppress weeds and help insulate the soil, though cypress may occasionally compact into a dense mat, which can inhibit water and air exchange if not periodically fluffed up.
Sustainability and Sourcing Considerations
The environmental impact of cypress mulch is a concern because the wood is often sourced from sensitive wetland ecosystems in the Southeastern United States. Much of the cypress used for mulch has historically been harvested from slow-growing trees. The clear-cutting of these trees can contribute to habitat destruction, reduced biodiversity, and the degradation of natural flood control systems. Since cypress is a slow-growing species, the rate of harvesting often exceeds the natural rate of regrowth, leading to long-term sustainability issues.
Cedar mulch is generally regarded as a more sustainable choice because it is often produced as a byproduct of the lumber industry, utilizing bark and leftover wood shavings. Some species of cedar, such as Eastern red cedar, are prolific in certain regions, meaning their removal can sometimes benefit local ecosystems. Consumers should look for products certified as sustainably harvested. This indicates the wood was sourced from managed forests or as a genuine mill byproduct rather than from ecologically sensitive areas.