Cedar mulch is a popular organic landscaping material, created as a byproduct from the bark and wood of cedar trees, typically Western Red Cedar or Eastern Aromatic Cedar. Its appeal stems from its practical benefits, recognizable appearance, and distinct aroma. Understanding how this material looks and feels, both fresh and over time, is necessary for those considering its use.
The Distinctive Visual Characteristics
The most striking visual element of fresh cedar mulch is its color, typically a warm, rich reddish-brown or amber hue. This coloration comes from the natural pigments within the cedar wood and bark, offering an earthy contrast to green foliage. The exact shade can vary, with Eastern Aromatic Cedar sometimes leaning toward a lighter, more blond or yellowish tone.
Cedar mulch is primarily available in two forms: shredded and chipped. Shredded cedar is highly fibrous, characterized by long, thin strands that often appear stringy or hair-like. When applied, this fibrous texture causes the pieces to interlock or “mat” together, creating a cohesive surface that resists being blown or washed away.
Chipped cedar mulch consists of more uniform, blocky, or nugget-like pieces that look less interwoven. While the chipped variety provides a clean, loose appearance, the shredded material is more common. The fine, consistent texture of the shredded type helps it settle quickly, creating a smooth, blanket-like layer across the landscape.
The Unique Sensory Profile
Beyond sight, cedar mulch is immediately identifiable by its strong, woodsy aromatic signature. This scent is caused by natural chemical compounds, such as thujone and cedrol, contained within the wood’s oils. The fragrance is often described as dry, slightly spicy, and camphoraceous, similar to pencil shavings or a cedar closet.
When handling the material, its texture and weight are distinct. Cedar is a relatively lightweight softwood, which makes it easy to spread but also prone to displacement in heavy rain or strong winds. The fibrous pieces of shredded cedar feel soft and pliable to the touch, lacking the hard, splintery nature of many hardwood chip mulches.
The material’s low density contributes to its fluffy, voluminous appearance when first spread. This lightness helps the mulch resist compaction, maintaining a loose structure that allows for good air exchange with the soil beneath. This combination of light weight and unique aroma distinguishes cedar from other organic mulches.
How Cedar Mulch Changes Over Time
The vibrant initial coloration of cedar mulch is not permanent and begins to change quickly after installation. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes the natural reddish-brown pigments to break down, resulting in a rapid color fade. As the fresh color diminishes, the mulch transitions to a muted, silvery-gray, light tan, or sandy-brown shade.
This weathered look is a natural consequence of the wood surface oxidizing and indicates the mulch has been exposed to the elements for several months. While the color changes, the structural integrity of the wood remains largely intact.
Due to natural oils and resins, cedar wood resists decay and decomposition at a slower rate than many other organic mulches. The pieces will soften and begin to break down over time, losing their initial sharp edges or fibrous stringiness. This slow rate of decay means the mulch maintains its physical structure and depth for a long time.