With experience working on an organic farm, water conservation research, farmers.

May 22, There seems to be a lot of disagreement about whether cedar needles are a good mulch. Lots of people, including some on these forums, recommend it, but others, including this BC composting fact sheet say"Cedar leaves are known to prevent the germination and growth of plants around them.

And although much of this inability of plants to grow under cedar comes from the lack of light available under these massive trees, cedar leaves should not be used as mulch.". Jun 06, Yes, because cedar mulch is as common in flower beds and pots as it is particular. It is, in fact, a bit “special”. Cedar mulch is made from clippings and shavings of the bark of cedar trees. It is used to cover the ground but it cannot be used at all shrubgrinding.bars: 4. Nov 12, When using leaves as a mulch, make sure to shred them first with a mulching mower, shredder or leaf blower on the vacuum setting.

A light layer of small, thin leaves applied without first being shredded is fine, but for the most part shredding is important. Adding too thick of a layer of leaves can block air and water from penetrating the shrubgrinding.barted Reading Time: 2 mins. Cedar needles, of any genus, should be fine mulch. Often the real problem growing stuff under the native cedars is the thick mat of roots the tree grows, and the fact that the native cedars can grow in soil that's too soggy for most other plants, and the heavy shade.

Carrying the shed needles to mulch other areas of the garden should be fine. Nov 28, One of the reasons for using mulch is to help the soil retain moisture.

If the area has low or wet spots, a thick layer of cedar mulch can cause too much water to stay in the soil. May 10, To use the dried leaves as mulch, spread them at a rate of 3 to 4 inches ( to 10 cm.) around trees and shrubs and 2 to 3 inches (5 to cm.) over perennial beds. You can use them to insulate rose bushes in November; just pull them away before the bushes start spring growth.