Can Redwood sawdust be used for mulch?

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not2simple Kansas City, MO(Zone 5b) Aug 27, 2010

We are de-structing a 12'x20' deck that was built exclusively with Redwood. One of the leader boards gave way and any form of repair requires that the deck be taking down. The deck was built in the mid 60's and from what I can find out it has never been painted or sealed other than the original painting after it was built. Hubby and I are planning on recycling the lumber by planing the boards and using them on the new deck. My question is...what can be done with the sawdust after the lumber has been planed? There will be a lot of it. Can it be used as mulch, or put into the compost? Or used to help break up our heavy clay soil?

If this can be used as mulch, maybe I can save it and use it around the garden next year. Hmmm.

Any advice would be appreciated.

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marti001 Somerset, KY(Zone 6b) Aug 29, 2010

I've seen redwood chips used around plants and did not harm them. Plus over the years it works its way into the soil and plants still grow, so I don't see why you can't use it. Redwood does keep bugs away.

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not2simple Kansas City, MO(Zone 5b) Aug 29, 2010

Thanks marti001. That is was my thinking, I will "bag and tag" it for the garden next year. Around here much of the mulch you buy has cedar in it and you have to careful with that. Even though it is late in the season, I will try some of it around some existing plants and see what happens. I am always trying different things with my plants and garden, some things work and some things don't. Thanks again!

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marti001 Somerset, KY(Zone 6b) Aug 29, 2010

Good luck. I'm using pine and maple chips in my gardens. It helps protect the plants and break up this horrible red clay.

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