The Delightful Red Cedar Mulch: Natural or Dyed?
Red cedar mulch is often associated with its natural reddish hue. Many see this distinctive color as a hallmark of high-quality mulch, but the reality is more nuanced. This article explores the natural coloration of red cedar, the common practice of dyeing mulch, and the advantages of red cedar mulch when used in landscaping.
What Makes Red Cedar Mulch Red?
If the mulch is actually red cedar, it is naturally red due to the presence of heartwood. However, it is unlikely that the mulch sold in most landscape supply places is true red cedar. The expenses of grinding and transporting large quantities of red cedar from areas with abundant resources to areas with less would make it prohibitively expensive. Instead, most suppliers provide mulch made from various sources: slabwood from sawmills, woodchips from tree companies, or even broken-down pallets that are ground up. The latter is very common.
The chosen mulch is then dyed to achieve the desired color. This can result in red cedar mulch being dyed to be even brighter red, black, or brown. Sometimes, after a heavy rain or a recent dyeing job, the dye may become visible, running out of the mulch. This reveals the wood's natural color beneath.
Natural Reddish Hue and Dyeing Process
Cedar mulch, whether naturally or artificially dyed, has a naturally reddish hue. According to SBC Cedar, the pigments used to achieve this coloration are derived from natural sources and pose no harm to people, pets, or plants. However, the colors are not permanent and will fade over time due to exposure to sunlight.
Advantages of Red Cedar Mulch
Red cedar mulch offers several advantages over regular mulch. It repels some types of bugs including moths, ants, termites, and cockroaches. This makes it an effective barrier against these pests. Additionally, red cedar mulch lasts longer because it takes more time to break down than pine and other types of wood.
Concerning plants, red cedar mulch is safe to use, and it will not harm existing plants in your garden or landscape. The natural oils present in red cedar provide a natural barrier against moisture retention and weed growth, and the longer-lasting nature of red cedar mulch ensures that it remains effective for an extended period.
Conclusion
When choosing red cedar mulch, it is important to understand the distinctions between naturally red cedar and dyed mulch. While the natural reddish hue is a desirable aesthetic, the use of dye is a common practice that can still provide the benefits of red cedar mulch. Regardless of the source, red cedar mulch is a valuable addition to any landscaping project, offering both beauty and practical advantages.