Hi just wanted to know. Is redwood chips ok for my garden? I notice the colour tends to fade away over time. I was thinking more just regular woodchips or if anyone has other alternatives.. Thanks.
Redwood chips for landscaping..
- Thread starter Raven
- Start date
Hi Raven. Welcome to the Forum.
Those are dyed red wood chips, not redwood chips. Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is a specific type of tree native to California and southern Oregon. Of course in other parts of the world, the common name 'redwood' may be used for other plants as well.
Dyed wood chips come in several colours. I've seen them available in red, black, and brown. Supposedly the dyes are harmless, but I've never seen a full analysis of this. My understanding is that the red dye is mainly iron oxide, though presumably other chemicals, such as binders, are also added. Various types of scrap wood is often used to make these chips. That may be a good use of recycling, but not if they are using wood treated with creosote or other chemicals. In that case, the dyes may be safe but the wood is not!
Personally, I don't use dyed wood chips. I don't like the visual look of them or the idea behind them.
The best alternative is to request free freshly-chipped wood chips form your local arborists or municipalities. Such wood mostly ages to pale shades of yellow and grey. I find such colour quite attractive and truly natural.
Those are dyed red wood chips, not redwood chips. Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is a specific type of tree native to California and southern Oregon. Of course in other parts of the world, the common name 'redwood' may be used for other plants as well.
Dyed wood chips come in several colours. I've seen them available in red, black, and brown. Supposedly the dyes are harmless, but I've never seen a full analysis of this. My understanding is that the red dye is mainly iron oxide, though presumably other chemicals, such as binders, are also added. Various types of scrap wood is often used to make these chips. That may be a good use of recycling, but not if they are using wood treated with creosote or other chemicals. In that case, the dyes may be safe but the wood is not!
Personally, I don't use dyed wood chips. I don't like the visual look of them or the idea behind them.
The best alternative is to request free freshly-chipped wood chips form your local arborists or municipalities. Such wood mostly ages to pale shades of yellow and grey. I find such colour quite attractive and truly natural.
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