The Pros and Cons of Cedar Mulch

Aromatic, Long-Lasting, and Pest-Repelling — Cedar Mulch has its Perks, but it’s Not the Right Fit for Every Use Case.

Cedar mulch is a popular choice for many homeowners, landscapers, and garden enthusiasts, and for good reason. Made from the bark and wood shavings of cedar trees, this mulch stands out not only for its distinct reddish-brown hue and pleasant smell but also for its durability and pest-repelling qualities. Cedar trees are highly sought after in the wood industry as they grow fairly straight and quite quickly, so the mulch from cedar trees is a byproduct of the process. Like any landscaping product, cedar mulch comes with both benefits and drawbacks. Before you cover your garden beds in a fresh layer of this aromatic mulch, it’s worth understanding where cedar mulch shines, and where it might fall short.

The Pros of Using Cedar Mulch

One of the most appealing qualities of cedar mulch is its longevity. Compared to other organic mulches like straw or pine, cedar decomposes much more slowly, meaning it won’t need to be replenished as often. This makes it an economical and low-maintenance option, especially in areas where frequent mulch replacement would be difficult or costly. Its sturdy structure also provides excellent ground cover, reducing soil erosion and keeping weeds at bay.

Another key advantage of cedar mulch is its natural ability to repel insects. Thanks to the oils found in cedar wood, many pests, including ants, termites, and certain beetles, tend to stay away. This can make cedar mulch particularly useful in landscaped areas near buildings or along pathways, where pest control is a higher priority. Additionally, its aromatic scent adds a pleasant touch to outdoor spaces, creating a cleaner, fresher feel compared to some other types of mulch.

The Cons of Using Cedar Mulch

Cedar mulch isn’t without its downsides. One of the most significant concerns is that it may also repel beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators. This means it might not be the best choice for gardens where pollination is important, such as those with flowering plants, fruits, or vegetables. Furthermore, in certain cases, poorly stored cedar mulch can release acetic acid — a byproduct of anaerobic decomposition — which may damage sensitive plants.

From a soil health perspective, cedar mulch may offer less benefit than faster-decomposing options. While it’s true that cedar breaks down more slowly (a plus when it comes to longevity), this also means it contributes less to enriching the soil over time. Gardeners looking to improve soil structure and nutrient content might prefer mulches like shredded leaves, compost, or even pine bark, which decompose more quickly and feed the soil as they break down.

Will the Natural Colour and Smell Fade Over Time?

Natural cedar mulch will lose its rich, reddish-brown color over time due to sun exposure, gradually fading to a silvery gray, which is still quite aesthetically-pleasing. It will also lose its distinctive, fresh, woody, and slightly sweet smell over time as well as the natural oils evaporate, causing the intensity of the scent to diminish. But, oh boy, when it's fresh, that scent is oh-so-pleasing!

When to Use and Not Use Cedar Mulch

In terms of best use, cedar mulch is an excellent option for pathways, trails, dog walks, tree rings, and established flower beds where pest control and long-term coverage are priorities. It’s also a smart pick in areas where aesthetics matter, such as front yard landscaping or high-traffic zones. However, it’s less suitable for seedlings, small plants, newly planted gardens, vegetable beds, or spaces intended to attract pollinators and support local ecosystems.

In the end, cedar mulch can be a beautiful and functional addition to your landscape, if used thoughtfully. By understanding both the pros and cons, you can make a more informed decision that supports the health of your garden while aligning with your goals for maintenance, appearance, and sustainability.