Cypress Mulch Vs. Hardwood Mulch

Hardwood and cypress mulch are two of the most common types available for landscapes and gardens. Consumers should evaluate the differences between hardwood and cypress mulch, the varieties and any application method recommended for each type. Cypress lasts two to three times longer than hardwood mulch, with deeper colors, but may also restrict moisture levels. Hardwood mulch produced from leftover building materials may contain foreign materials. The differences could yield either a yard littered with dying plants or a beautiful yard with a tarnished home.

Significance

Mulch is an attractive covering for landscapes, particularly when applied around flowerbeds, trees and shrubs. But mulch provides more than an aesthetic appeal to the landscape. Mulch keeps soil moist and prevents weed growth. Mulch is a necessity in dry climates and during periods of drought. Hardwood and cypress mulch can prevent plant decay by preventing water evaporation and nutrient loss from the soil, even during the driest spells of the growing season.

Identification

Hardwood mulch consists of a mix of different types of bark, often scraps or leftovers from lumber yards, local businesses or power companies. Bark may include oak, cherry, birch and maple. Cypress mulch gives the landscape a vibrant-looking appeal, as the darker hue provides an attractive contrast next to various plants, flowers and shrubbery. Both types of mulches come in a variety of sizes or consistencies. Double-shredded mulch contains smaller pieces of wood chips and triple-shredded mulch consists finer shreds of wood scraps.

Time Frame

Cypress mulch may last two or three years, depending on factors such as climate and weather conditions. Hardwood mulch may decay and breakdown sooner. Consumers using hardwood mulch should expect to reapply mulch every year.

Costs

Local businesses may need removal of lumber scraps and advertise free mulch to anyone willing to haul off the leftovers. Conversely, hardwood mulch could cost as much as $2.29 per 2-cubic-foot bag, depending on the type and quality of the leftover bark. Cypress mulch averages about $1.49 per 2-cubic-foot bag. Additionally, prices may vary on shredded mulch. Triple-shredded mulch costs more than double-shredded mulch.

Expert Insight

Hardwood and cypress mulch attracts termites. The University of Maryland Department of Entomology recommends applying a thin layer of mulch to landscaping areas that are close to the house, including decks and porches. Ironically, even though wood attracts termites, the bugs do not invade the mulch pieces. Rather, the mulch acts as a bridge or gateway for termites to cross over and into nearby wooded structures, particularly structures built without pressure-treated wood.

Warning

Hardwood mulch may contain other materials or objects. Leftover lumber may contain metal, nails, plastic, or other pieces of foreign material. In Florida, several counties restrict the use of cypress mulch.The Florida Cooperative Extension Service reports that cypress mulch may prevent water from getting to the plant roots, particularly when used on hills and slopes.