Redwood and cedar mulches don’t decompose as quickly as pine, and they are usually prettier. Both cedar and redwood have phenols that help the wood resist decay by fungi and bacteria.

Redwood is probably the most popular decking material in Northern California, where I live and work, but in much of the country, builders use various varieties of cedar instead.

The next most popular wood-decking options are redwood and Western red cedar.Both of these western softwoods are prized for their rich color, natural beauty, and because they’re not pumped full ...

With cedar and redwood, there is no need to apply a special treatment — they resist fungi, insects, and other pests on their own. Read more: The 11 Most Difficult Vegetables To Grow In Your Garden.