If you’re searching for cedar mulch suppliers, you want products made from real Western Red Cedar that reliably protect soil, deter weeds, and add a pleasant aroma to your landscape. The top picks below are suited for different buyers—from DIY gardeners to small business landscapers. This guide highlights five Cedar-based options, explains who they’re best for, and points out any limitations to consider when ordering in bulk or for specific projects.
Product Comparison Snapshot
- Western Red Cedar Chip Mulch, 42 Quarts — Best for: small to medium gardens needing long-lasting cedar and pleasant scent.
- Natural Shredded Red Cedar Mulch, 42 Quarts — Best for: erosion control and natural appearance on slopes or high-wind areas.
- 100% Natural Cedar Shavings | 4 Quart — Best for: indoor plants, pet bedding, and odor control in small spaces.
- Woodlore Kiln Dried Eastern Red Aromatic Cedar Chips — Best for: versatile indoor/outdoor uses with natural aromatics.
- Vundahboah Amish Cedar Wood Mulch Chips Shavings — Best for: larger shavings and specialty applications like bird boxes and landscape bedding.
Western Red Cedar Chip Mulch, 42 Quarts
This product uses 100% Western Red Cedar and is designed for long-lasting mulch coverage in garden beds and borders. The cedar’s natural aroma enhances outdoor spaces while helping to deter some pests. It’s best for small-to-medium landscapes where a durable, fragrant mulch is desired. A potential limitation is cost and the weight of 42 quarts, which may affect bulk ordering for large properties.
Natural Shredded Red Cedar Mulch, 42 Quarts
This shredded mulch uses real red cedar wood to deliver a natural appearance and good cover for beds, pathways, and borders. It’s generous in size (42 quarts) and offers erosion control by naturally matting down in slope or wind-prone areas. It’s particularly suitable for landscapes needing a light, natural look. A limitation is that shredded cedar may settle or compress over time, reducing apparent coverage without replenishment.
100% Natural Cedar Shavings | 4 Quart
These cedar shavings are 100% natural and produced in the USA. They’re versatile for outdoor and indoor plants, moisture retention, and even pet bedding. The 4-quart size makes them ideal for small planters, shelves, or sachets. A caution: cedar shavings vary in size, so plant bed uniformity may require mixing or additional applications to achieve even coverage.
Woodlore – Kiln Dried Eastern Red Aromatic Cedar Chips
Woodlore offers kiln-dried Eastern Red Aromatic Cedar chips, made in Wisconsin. It is a 100% natural cedar product without preservatives or additives, suitable for use under sinks, around lawn edges, or around foundations and patios. The aroma is a natural benefit, though some buyers may prefer unseasoned cedar for certain applications. Best for those who want a pure cedar product with added fragrance and minimal processing.
Vundahboah Amish Goods Cedar Wood Mulch Chips Shavings
This product reflects hand-sourced cedar from Old Order Amish regions, featuring large shavings up to 2 inches. It is suited for screech owl houses, larger landscape beds, and pet habitats where bigger pieces are beneficial. It comes in a 6-quart bag as a primary option, with other sizes available. A limitation is that larger pieces may not spread as evenly as finer mulch in tight spaces or small pots.
100% Natural Cedar Shavings | 8 Quart
Another Wood Smith USA option, this eight-quart bag provides cedar shavings for indoor or outdoor plants, moisture retention, and odor absorption. The product is made in Florida, USA. It’s suitable for small to medium decor or plant projects where a subtle cedar scent is desired. A potential drawback is the trade-off between scent strength and intended use in purely decorative arrangements.
100% Natural Cedar Shavings | 16 Quart
This 16-quart option from Wood Smith USA expands coverage for larger indoor or outdoor planting projects. It maintains the same 100% natural cedar composition and moisture-holding properties. It’s best for homeowners who want more material per bag without moving to a bulk-heavy option. A caveat is the need to manage larger quantities in storage spaces to prevent moisture exposure.
Buying Guide: Cedar Mulch Purchase Considerations
What should you consider before buying cedar mulch?
- Material origin: Look for 100% western red cedar when available for durability and aroma, or eastern red cedar options for aromatic use.
- Intended use: Bed mulching, erosion control, or indoor plant care require different particle sizes and bag quantities.
- Particle size and texture: Finer shavings spread more evenly; larger chips are better for deeper borders or decorative applications.
- Moisture retention and fragrance: Cedar generally helps retain soil moisture and imparts a natural scent, but scented products may irritate sensitive pets or plants.
- Weight and handling: Quarts versus gallons influence how you transport and spread mulch, especially for larger properties.
How to choose the right cedar mulch for erosion-prone areas
- Opt for shredded cedar mulch to form a natural mat that reduces soil washing on slopes.
- Ensure an adequate depth (generally around 2-3 inches) to maximize erosion control benefits.
- Consider combining with geotextile fabrics in very steep areas.
Best practices for application and maintenance
- Spread evenly and replenish as needed to maintain the desired depth and appearance.
- Avoid piling mulch directly against plant stems or trunks to prevent rot and pests.
- Reassess annually for color fading or decomposition and refresh to maintain effectiveness.
Buying considerations by buyer type
- Home garden owner: Choose 42-quart bags of natural cedar mulch for manageable replenishment and visible aroma.
- Slope or erosion-prone areas: Prioritize shredded or larger-chip cedar for matting and coverage.
- Indoor plants or pet bedding: Smaller bags of 4- or 8-quart cedar shavings provide odor control and moisture retention.
- Bulk landscaper: Look for multiple-bag pallets or bulk options that maximize coverage with consistent cedar quality.
FAQ
- Q: Is Western Red Cedar mulch better than other types of mulch? A: It tends to be durable, fragrant, and naturally pest-repellent, but availability and price vary by supplier.
- Q: Can cedar mulch be used around trees and foundation? A: Yes, but maintain a gap between mulch and trunks to avoid rot and pest issues.
- Q: How long does cedar mulch last outdoors? A: Cedar mulch typically lasts longer than some other organic mulches, though weather and climate affect longevity.
- Q: Are there safety concerns with using cedar mulch indoors? A: Use caution around pets with cedar fragrances; some animals may react to strong scents.
- Q: How much cedar mulch should I buy for a given area? A: A typical depth is 2-3 inches; measure bed area in square feet and use a mulch calculator or guideline (approx. 1 cubic yard per 100 square feet at 3 inches deep, depending on bag size).
- Q: Can I mix cedar mulch with other materials? A: Yes, mixing mulch types can balance texture and cost while maintaining beneficial cedar properties.