Features

• Gardeners can easily differentiate between light-colored cedar mulch and reddish-brown pine bark mulch by appearance alone. While cedar mulch comes in sawdust form, both cedar and pine bark mulches usually consist of larger nuggets or chips.
  
  

Differences

• Both mulches are slow to decompose, allowing a slow release of nutrients into the soil over time--but cedar is the slowest, according to Iowa State University's Reiman Gardens. And if you're concerned about ants, keep in mind that many ants enjoy pine bark mulch but cannot stand aromatic cedar mulch.
  
  

Concerns

• Not all cedar mulch deserves the name, because some types come from juniper and arborvitae trees that have the nicknames of "cedar." In contrast, pine bark mulch is readily available. Keep both types clear of wooden structures, because they are attractive food for termites and other pests.