What Are the Benefits of Using Cedar Mulch?

Cedar mulch is made of shredded cedar trees, and is spread around the base of plants and trees. Cedar trees are numerous in the U.S.; in some places, they are classified as an invasive pest that consumes large amounts of water and competes with native vegetation. Most mulch is made from the eastern red cedar tree. There are many benefits of using cedar mulch in your garden or landscaping.

Moisture Preservation

Cedar mulch applied properly conserves moisture by shading soil from the hot sun and preventing evaporation. Cedar mulch prevents wide fluctuations in soil moisture levels so plants enjoy an evenly-moist environment where the roots can spread as needed. Using cedar mulch greatly reduces the amount of water needed for plants to thrive.

Weed Supression

Weed seeds need sunlight to sprout or germinate. Applying cedar mulch over the garden deprives weeds and weed seeds of sunlight so they cannot grow.

Insect Control

Cedar mulch contains oils that naturally repel some garden pests. Snails, slugs and moths, which are a source of the destructive cabbage looper and army worm, will avoid areas covered with cedar mulch.

Disease Control

A major source of fungal disease is spores spread by the splashing of water from rain and overhead watering. The water splashes on bare soil where the fungus spores live and transports them directly to the plant's leaves where they multiply rapidly. Adding cedar mulch breaks the cycle by preventing the splashing of water and helps control plant diseases.

Appearance

By suppressing weed growth and keeping plants healthy, cedar mulch can add to the beauty of your garden. It also adds a uniform and neat appearance to the garden.

Long Lasting

Cedar mulch breaks down very slowly and lasts much longer than other natural mulches. When applied correctly, it stays in place during a heavy rain.