Cypress mulch v cedar mulch

Some gardeners argue cypress keeps moisture better, while others say cedar has long-lasting benefits. Both mulches are suitable for controlling and stopping weeds from growing in your garden and when used appropriately can even improve water retention. The key differences between cedar and cypress are listed below.

Cypress mulch is sourced from parts of the cypress tree, including the bark, pulverised leaves, and limbs.

This kind is environmentally friendly and can be replanted. It has a nice smell and lasts for a long time. It is more expensive than cypress mulch. Both deal with insects differently. For instance, cedar repels insects, including termites and those that are beneficial to plants. Cypress mulch does the same things, but apart from warding off insects, it attracts termites.

After preparing the soil and planting your garden, you need to include mulch or straw - this helps keep both plants and soil healthy and well protected. Before applying mulch you need to ensure it has the proper natural nutrients that will help your gardening, promote the growth of plants and control or stop weed growth. Besides that, it should improve water retention, protect the soil structure, repel insects, and stabilise soil temperatures. Below are three examples of mulch you can use.

Organic mulch

This comprises all organic mulches made from an organic source such as sawdust, damp newspapers, hay or straw, fallen leaves, lawn clippings, and wood chips as well as bark from eucalyptus or pine trees.

Inorganic mulch

This includes all mulches made from non-living materials like crushed rocks, pebbles, shredded gravel, and sand.

Living mulch

This includes any ground cover or low-growing plants. Examples include melaleuca hypericifolia, brachyscome, and viola hederacea.

Both enhance the look and feel of your flower beds and come in a range of concepts and style. However, the cost of buying and installation is the key determiner, whether you are using cypress or applying cedar in your soil. Prices can range from $40 to $85 per cubic metre and as high as $150.