Does The Species Of The Sawdust Matter For Your Garden Mulch

Question

We have mostly pine, cedar and spruce in our area (boreal forest). Yes there is poplar and some birch but the sawmills don\’t separate their sawdust.

Answer 1

Sawdust is a recommended mulch but it can deplete nitrogen from the soil and some types of wood can release toxic substances as they start to decompose. It may be better to compost it first.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/using-sawdust-as-mulch.htm

https://ceventura.ucanr.edu/Gardening/Coastal/Landscape_578/Mulches/