Are cedar chips ok around plantings ?

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mcjay Seattle, WA Jul 09, 2008

I have plantings with a lot of bare areas around them that had monster weeds this year. I have used chips from local tree trimmers in the past. I can't seem to get any this year. Would cedar playchips work, or be harmful to plants?

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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Jul 09, 2008

I haven't had any problems with cedar mulch. But, I've switched to pine straw because I have several places out in the woods where I can rake/bag it myself for free and, aside from being cheaper, I think it's doing a much better job of keeping the weeds down and moisture in. Just a thought in case you might have a place where you could get pine straw.

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Smokey_SC Piedmont, SC(Zone 7b) Jul 09, 2008

I would put down landscape fabric and then the chips. That is what I always use.

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pastime Waterman, IL(Zone 5a) Jul 10, 2008

The only thing I've read about cedar mulch is that it's very absorbant and can rob some of the moisture from getting to your plants. I like cedar mulch better than some of that red stuff they sell at big box stores and gas stations around here. I think it's cypress mulch. Too red for me.

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avianut Omaha, NE(Zone 5a) Jul 11, 2008

Most cypress isn't really red, except maybe a tinge when it's brand new. Maybe the 'red' stuff you see is dyed? Or, I guess they call it 'color enhanced' now! :-) I've used both cedar and cypress, and they blend together in my yard after the first couple of days. My yard's mostly shady though, so maybe that affects the color some...

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