As an experient nurseryman and landscape gardener , I have encountered various situation where the use of cedar mulch may not be suited . While cedar tree mulch is mostly a popular choice for many gardener due to its natural property and pleasant aroma , there are certain scenarios where it is best to invalidate using it .
1 . seedling and Newly Germinated plant : Cedar mulch can potentially harm delicate seedlings and new burgeon forth plants . The strong redolent crude present in cedar can be too potent for these young plant life , causing them to become distressed or even pop off . It is advisable to wait until these plants have fully found themselves before applying cedar mulch .
2 . low Plants : Similar to seedlings , small industrial plant may not be capable to allow the potent properties of cedar mulch . The oils can potentially subdue their outgrowth and growing , leading to scrawny or unhealthy plants . It is well to opt for a milder mulch or wait until the flora have grown larger before using cedar .
3 . Acid - Loving Plants : Cedar mulch has a more or less acidic nature , which can be good for sealed plants that expand in acidic soil conditions . However , if you have plants that choose alkaline or impersonal soil , such as some vegetables or heyday , it is good to choose a different case of mulch . Using cedar mulch in such cases may castrate the pH of the soil , making it less suitable for these plants .
4 . Allergic reaction : While rare , some individual may have allergy or sensitivities to the instinctive compounds found in cedar . These individual may experience skin irritation , respiratory issues , or other allergic response when in contact with cedar mulch . If you or anyone in your household has sleep with allergies to cedar , it is well to invalidate using this mulch to prevent any adverse reactions .
5 . body of water retentiveness : Cedar mulch , equate to other constituent mulches , has a inclination to be more water - immune . This means that it may not absorb and retain wet as efficaciously as other mulch types . If you have plants that call for consistent wet level , such as sure types of ferns or wet - loving flowers , it may be better to choose a mulch that retains pee more efficiently .
In my personal experience , I have found that cedar mulch should be used with caution and condition for the specific needs of the flora in your garden . I have seen example where using cedar mulch on seedlings resulted in their declivity , while mature works flourish with the addition of cedar mulch . It is essential to assess the individual requirements of your plants and make an informed conclusion base on their demand .
To summarize , it is expert to avoid using cedar tree mulch with seedlings , small plants , and newly spud plants due to their vulnerability to the strong properties of cedar tree . Additionally , consider the pH requirements of your plant , potential allergic reaction , and the water retention capabilities of true cedar mulch before decide to employ it in your garden .
Caroline Bates