I heard that switching from wood chips (not sure what type, received from an arborist) to cedar mulch might enhance water retention and improve soil quality. Is this really necessary, or is it just a misconception?
3 Answers
Honestly, I prefer hemlock bark mulch over cedar. I've used free wood chips in the past but found they often come with weed seeds and fade to gray quickly. It might be worth considering different types of mulch depending on what you're looking for!
You might not need to ditch your wood chips entirely. I usually just top off my mulch a few times a year instead of replacing it. It helps keep the soil covered and healthy without the hassle of total replacement.
I've found that while cedar mulch does repel some pests, that can actually be a drawback since many bugs are beneficial for your garden. Plus, cedar resists decomposition, and you normally want your mulch to break down to enrich the soil. Instead of blindly following advice online, check out your local agricultural extension service for the best tips tailored to your area.