Red Cedar Mulch

Red Cedar Mulch — Aromatic, Long-Lasting Cedar Mulch with Natural Bug-Resistance

Our Red Cedar Mulch is the premium pick when you want mulch that does more than just look good. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, which means it holds its color and structure longer than most dyed mulches — and the natural cedar oils give it that signature aromatic scent (and a quiet edge against certain insects). A favorite for high-visibility front yards and any bed where homeowners want a natural look that lasts.

At a glance

What it's good for

• High-visibility front beds and curb-appeal-driven landscapes
• Around vegetable gardens and raised beds where rot-resistance matters
• Pet areas, dog runs, and play-adjacent beds where natural is preferred
• Permanent borders and decorative beds you don't want to refresh yearly

How much do I need?

A 15' × 15' front bed at 3" depth needs about 2 cubic yards. Because cedar breaks down slowly, you'll typically only need to top-dress every 2–3 years instead of annually — making it one of the better long-term values among natural mulches.

How Red Cedar compares

• vs. Hemlock Mulch: Both natural. Hemlock fades faster to silvery gray; cedar holds the warm reddish-brown tone significantly longer. Cedar costs more but lasts longer between applications.
• vs. Black Mulch: Black is dyed shredded hardwood for modern look. Cedar is natural with bug-resistant oils — premium organic pick.
• vs. Pine Bark Mulch: Pine Bark is chunky nuggets for slopes. Cedar is shredded ribbons for refined front beds.
• vs. Playground Mulch: Playground Mulch is IPEMA-certified safety surfacing — purpose-built for under play structures. Don't substitute regular cedar for playground use.

Frequently asked questions

Does Red Cedar Mulch actually repel bugs?
Cedar's natural oils have repellent properties against certain insects (some flies, moths, fleas). It's not a pesticide — won't eliminate infestations — but the cedar aromatic does have measurable repellent effect for these specific bugs.

Why does cedar cost more than other mulches?
Red cedar is rot-resistant and slower to harvest than hardwood. The premium reflects raw material cost and the longer refresh cycle (2–3 years vs. 1 year for cheaper mulches), so the per-year cost can actually be lower.

Is cedar mulch safe around pets?
Yes — natural cedar is safe for dogs and cats. Avoid letting pets eat it (as with any mulch). Cedar's aromatic effect can be a positive — some find it deters fleas in dog yards.

Will Red Cedar fade?
Yes but very slowly compared to other mulches. The reddish-brown tone fades to a weathered tan over 2–3 seasons, then to silvery gray after that. Most homeowners refresh annually for the front yard look.

How much does a cubic yard weigh?
About 500–700 lbs per cubic yard.

Do you deliver in the Boston area?
Yes — same-day and next-day bulk delivery across Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Plymouth Counties.

Same-day and next-day bulk delivery, no minimum order. We run cedar across our Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, and Plymouth County service area.

Pair with our hemlock mulch for back beds where the cedar premium isn't needed, or our screened topsoil loam if you're building beds from scratch.

Order today — the aromatic, long-lasting mulch that's worth the upgrade.

• Same-day & next-day delivery available — weekends fill fast, order early.
• Curbside or on-property drop — let us know at checkout.
• Up to 6 yds per load for dense materials (gravel, soil, rock, sand) — mulch loads carry up to 10 yds. $100 flat rate, no minimum order.
• Job site delivery available — live load tickets and signed BOLs on request.
• Questions? Call (617) 645-0987 or see full delivery info →