Best Cedar Mulch of 2026

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Cedar mulch is a natural and attractive way to enhance the appearance of any garden or landscape. Made from shredded cedar trees, this mulch is known for its ability to repel insects and resist decay. Cedar mulch also helps to retain moisture in the soil, which can be beneficial for plants during hot and dry weather conditions. Additionally, cedar mulch has a pleasant aroma that can add a refreshing scent to any outdoor space. With its many benefits, cedar mulch remains a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers alike.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Wood Smith USA Cedar Shavings Cover #TOP 1
Wood Smith USA Cedar Shavings
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Wood Smith USA Natural Cedar Chips Mulch 4 Quarts Cover #TOP 2
Wood Smith USA Natural Cedar Chips Mulch 4 Quarts
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Vundahboah Cedar Wood Mulch Cover #TOP 3
Vundahboah Cedar Wood Mulch
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 3 Cedar Mulch

Wood Smith USA Cedar Shavings

Wood Smith USA Cedar Shavings Cover
100% Natural Cedar Shavings | Mulch | Great for Outdoors or Indoor Potted Plants | Dog Bedding (4 Quart)

Wood Smith Cedar Mulch is a 100% natural cedar product great for both indoor and outdoor plants. It helps retain moisture, emits a subtle cedar scent for air freshening, and can be used for animal bedding or in kitty litter to absorb odors. Additionally, it is perfect for hanging planters and comes in a generous amount for its price. Each bag is carefully hand-packed in the USA, ensuring quality and freshness.

What We Like
100% Natural Cedar
Retains Moisture
Subtle Cedar Scent
#TOP 2

Wood Smith USA Natural Cedar Chips Mulch 4 Quarts

Cedar Chips
4 Quarts
Wood Smith USA Natural Cedar Chips Mulch 4 Quarts Cover
100% Natural Cedar Chips | Mulch | Great for Outdoors or Indoor Potted Plants | Dog Bedding | Pleasant Earthy Smell 4 Quarts

Wood Smith Cedar Chips offer a natural way to enhance both your indoor and outdoor plants by helping retain moisture in the soil. The 4-quart size is perfect for use in potted plants, hanging planters, or garden beds. You'll appreciate the subtle, pleasant earthy cedar scent, which works great as a natural air freshener or to refill your cedar sachet bags. Made in Florida, USA, these cedar chips also serve well as animal bedding or can be added to kitty litter, adding versatility to your home and garden care. This product combines usefulness and value for everyday plant and pet needs.

What We Like
Natural moisture retention
Subtle cedar scent
Versatile indoor/outdoor use
Animal bedding option
Made in USA
#TOP 3

Vundahboah Cedar Wood Mulch

Vundahboah Cedar Wood Mulch Cover
Vundahboah Amish Goods Cedar Wood Mulch Chips Shavings for Garden- Screech Owl House/Box- Organic Bedding (6 Quart (1.5 Gallon))

Vundahboah Mulch offers aromatic red cedar perfect for owl boxes, pet bedding, and outdoor landscaping. The cedar is fresh, organic, and natural without any added chemicals. Hand-sourced from Old Order Amish in Tennessee, the mulch comes in various sizes suitable for different uses. The larger shavings are great for owl boxes and nests, while smaller shavings are ideal for pet bedding and sachet creation. Settling may occur due to the natural characteristics of the product, similar to cereal settling.

What We Like
Aromatic red cedar
Organic and natural
Hand-sourced from Amish
Buying Guide Image

Some Factors You Should Know About Cedar Mulch

What is Cedar Mulch?

Cedar mulch is a type of mulch made from the shredded bark of cedar trees. It is a popular choice for gardeners due to its pleasant aroma and attractive appearance. Cedar mulch is also a good choice for its ability to repel insects and withstand rot.

Why Choose Cedar Mulch?

There are several reasons why cedar mulch is a good choice for your garden. One of the main reasons is its ability to repel insects. Cedar contains natural oils that are toxic to many insects, making it an effective pest deterrent. This can help keep your plants healthy and free from damage.

In addition to its insect-repelling properties, cedar mulch also has a pleasant aroma. The scent of cedar is often described as woodsy and refreshing, making it a nice addition to any garden.

Cedar mulch is also known for its ability to withstand rot. This is due to the natural preservatives found in cedar, which help it resist decay. This makes it a good choice for areas of your garden that are prone to moisture.

How to Choose the Right Cedar Mulch

When shopping for cedar mulch, there are a few things to consider to ensure you choose the right product for your garden. One of the most important factors is the type of cedar the mulch is made from. There are two main types of cedar: Eastern red cedar and Western red cedar. Eastern red cedar is the most commonly used type of cedar for mulch, but Western red cedar can also be a good choice.

Another important factor to consider when choosing cedar mulch is the size of the pieces. Cedar mulch is available in a range of sizes, from fine to coarse. Fine cedar mulch is good for filling in gaps between plants, while coarse mulch is better for covering larger areas.

You should also consider the color of the cedar mulch when making your selection. Cedar mulch is available in a range of colors, from reddish-brown to almost black. Choose a color that will complement the plants in your garden and the overall design of your landscape.

Where to Buy Cedar Mulch

Cedar mulch is widely available at garden centers, home improvement stores, and online retailers. When purchasing cedar mulch, be sure to check the label to ensure you are getting a high-quality product. Look for mulch that is made from 100% cedar and avoid products that contain fillers or other additives.

Conclusion

Cedar mulch is a popular choice for gardeners due to its insect-repelling properties, pleasant aroma, and ability to withstand rot. When choosing cedar mulch, consider the type of cedar it is made from, the size of the pieces, and the color. Be sure to purchase a high-quality product from a reputable retailer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should you not use cedar mulch?

Avoid using cedar mulch if you want to encourage pollinators and promote ecosystem regeneration, especially in flower beds. Cedar mulch can create a barrier that disrupts the natural corridors used by beneficial insects to move from plant to plant.

2. Is there a benefit to cedar mulch?

Yes, cedar mulch offers several benefits. It helps inhibit weed growth, reducing the time spent on weeding. The mulch acts as a physical barrier, preventing weed seeds from reaching the soil surface. Additionally, cedar mulch retains moisture in the soil and can repel bugs like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

3. What does cedar mulch keep away?

Cedar mulch has a natural ability to repel bugs. It releases aromatic oils that are unpleasant to many insects, including fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Cedar mulch also helps retain moisture in the soil and can reduce weed growth.

4. What mulch repels bugs?

Cedar and cypress mulch are known to repel bugs effectively. Both types contain natural chemicals and oils, like thujone, that deter insects. Cedar chips, in particular, can repel or inhibit insects such as cockroaches.

5. Is it OK to put cedar mulch around the house?

Yes, it is safe to use cedar mulch around your house, as long as it is resistant to termites. However, it is recommended to leave a space of about six inches between the mulch and the house. This barrier helps prevent pests from easily crossing over and invading your house.

6. Does cedar mulch attract termites?

Cedar mulch does not attract termites. In fact, it can deter them. Cedar contains natural compounds that termites find unappealing. Similarly, cypress heartwood has been rated as termite-resistant and can repel termites.

7. Do mosquitoes hate cedar mulch?

Yes, mosquitoes dislike cedar mulch. The aromatic oils released by cedar mulch are unpleasant to many bugs, including mosquitoes. Cedar mulch also helps retain moisture in the soil and can reduce weed growth.

8. What insects are repelled by cedar?

Cedar chips contain a chemical called thujone, which repels various insects. Cedar can repel cloth-eating moths, carpet beetles, cockroaches, and certain types of ants. It serves as a natural insect deterrent.

Editor's Notes

During our cedar mulch research, we found 24 cedar mulch products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 31,898 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cedar mulch list. We found that most customers choose cedar mulch with an average price of $25.57.

The cedar mulch are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cedar mulch, including Wood Smith USA, Vundahboah Amish Goods. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 66 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.