Gorilla hair mulch might sound like someone’s idea for recycling debris from the zoo’s primate exhibit, but it has no connection to actual gorillas. This plant-based mulch is made from redwood or red cedar bark finely shredded to resemble the thick hair of a gorilla.

The shredded redwood bark used is a byproduct of lumber production that would otherwise go to waste, and as a natural, non-toxic material, it’s an environmentally friendly choice. Most homeowners value it for its longevity and ability to stay where it’s put. Gorilla hair mulch is popular for use on uneven ground and in well-manicured, formal landscapes.

Its unusual color and tendency to mat together means it’s not ideal for every style of garden or climate, though. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of this common wood mulch will help you decide if it’s right for you.

What is Gorilla Hair Mulch

Gorilla hair mulch is a type of wood mulch made from shredded bark of redwood or cedar trees. Its long, stringy texture resembles animal fur, hence the name. This mulch is known for its durability, ability to interlock and form a mat, and natural resistance to pests. It’s particularly useful for sloped areas and gardens in windy locations.

Types of Gorilla Hair Mulch

There are primarily two types of gorilla hair mulch: redwood mulch and cedar mulch. Both offer similar benefits, but cedar mulch has a distinct aroma that some gardeners prefer. You can also find gorilla hair mulch in its natural reddish-brown color or dyed black for a different aesthetic. Some manufacturers offer blends that incorporate other wood types for varied textures and colors.

Where Does Gorilla Hair Mulch Come From

Gorilla hair mulch is a byproduct of the lumber industry. When redwood or cedar trees are processed for timber, the bark is typically discarded. Innovative manufacturers realized this bark could be shredded into a useful landscaping product.

Today, most of this mulch comes from California and other western states in the USA. By repurposing this waste material, gorilla hair mulch is an environmentally friendly option that reduces landfill waste from lumber production.

How to Determine How Much Gorilla Hair Mulch You Need

To calculate the amount of gorilla hair mulch needed, measure the length and width of your garden bed in feet. Multiply these numbers together to get the square footage. For a 3-inch layer of mulch, you’ll need 1 cubic yard per 100 square feet.

For larger areas, use this formula to convert from cubic feet to cubic yards: (Square footage x Desired depth in inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic yards you need.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

After you calculate how much gorilla hair mulch you need for your landscape project, I recommend buying 5–10% extra to account for settling and uneven surfaces.

Gorilla Hair Benefits

Here are the key benefits of gorilla hair mulch.

Stays in Place

Gorilla hair mulch is one of the best choices for windy areas and slopes because it stays put better than small wood chips, straw, and other light materials. As this mulch gradually breaks down, it forms a dense mat that won’t shift around in the wind or rain. As an added benefit, it also helps hold the soil in place, reducing soil runoff on low slopes.

While it’s more stable than other wood mulches, before gorilla hair mulch mats, it can still blow around in locations with constant winds, such as near the seacoast, and gradually slide down very steep grades. Laying a jute mat on the soil before mulching helps the mulch mat faster, but it can also create fertile ground for weeds.

If you’re dealing with a windy area or steep slope, consult a landscaper before you mulch.

Keeps the Soil Moist

A mat of gorilla hair mulch keeps the soil cool and forms a barrier that slows down water evaporation. Its ability to protect your plants’ roots from the sun makes this mulch a good choice for dry climates. It’s especially helpful if you use drip irrigation.

On the downside, the mat this mulch forms can turn into a watertight barrier that prevents rainwater from reaching the soil surface. If you’re in a dry climate, you’ll need to periodically inspect the soil after it rains or water your garden to ensure enough water is finding its way through the mulch.

Deters Weeds and Insects

Unlike coarser mulch, such as wood chips, a dense mat of gorilla hair mulch lets little light through, inhibiting the growth of weeds. In a wet climate, however, you might find weeds growing on top of the mulch. This problem is even more likely if you make the mistake of putting non-biodegradable landscaping fabric under the mulch.

The natural oils in redwood and cedar bark deter plant-damaging insects, such as beetles, moths, and ants. With cedar gorilla hair, these oils also emit a distinct cedar scent most people find pleasant. What’s more, the texture is difficult for slugs and snails to navigate, so they’re less likely to reach your plants.

Keeps Working for Years

As a coarse, fibrous material, gorilla hair mulch decomposes more slowly than finer mulches. Redwood and cedar also resist rotting well. These properties combined give you a mulch that will stay on your garden longer than other types of wood-based mulches.

Although the color will fade, this mulch performs well for three or four years, depending on your climate. That means less mulching work for you. Its durability is one big reason gorilla hair mulch is popular for use around commercial properties.

Your plants also benefit from the relatively slow release of nitrogen and other nutrients. Because the mulch stays in place as it decomposes, it will also hold valuable nutrients in the soil, keeping them from washing away in the rain.

On the other hand, because it provides nutrients so slowly, it’s not as effective for use as a supplemental fertilizer as grass clippings, leaf compost, and other rapidly decomposing mulches.

The mulch works well in garden beds with shrubs and larger perennial plants. For an annual bed, it’s less than ideal. Gorilla hair mulch won’t break down for several years, so you’ll need to move it aside to replant the bed each year.

Offers a Distinctive Appearance

The rich color and fluffy texture of gorilla hair mulch make it an eye-catching landscape material addition to the garden. It’s available in both natural light brownish-red and naturally dyed black varieties, so you can choose a color that either blends in with your local soil or contrasts with it, depending on your preference.

Not everyone is a fan of this mulch’s looks, though. Some find the color too unnatural and conspicuous. Because gorilla hair mulch is so often used around office buildings and businesses, it can give a home something of a cold, commercial feel.

Non-toxic

Gorilla hair mulch is natural and non-toxic. However, some bark nuggets can pose a choking hazard to dogs, small livestock such as goats, and other animals that might chew on the fibers. If you have a curious dog that likes to chew, you’ll be better off with something other than gorilla hair mulch, such as leaf compost or very finely shredded cedar.

Easy to Use

If gorilla hair mulch sounds like something your garden beds could benefit from, late spring or early autumn are the best times to get started. Apply a layer of 2–3 inches, or up to four inches to prevent soil compaction in areas with high foot traffic. Leave 3 inches of open ground around your plants to let air reach the stems.

Once the mulch begins to mat, occasionally inspect the soil under it to be sure it’s getting enough water and not harboring weeds.

With its ability to stay put, gorilla hair mulch is the perfect solution for landscaping a slope or a wind-blown garden bed. Its longevity also makes it a smart choice if you’d rather not apply new mulch every year. If you’re looking for something that blends in or breaks down fast, though, this isn’t the best mulch for you.

Final Thoughts

After years of working with various mulch types, I can confidently say that gorilla hair mulch has several nice benefits. Its ability to stay in place, deter pests, act as a weed barrier, and provide long-lasting coverage makes it an excellent choice for slopes, windy areas, and low-maintenance gardens.

To use it effectively, I recommend spreading a 2-3-inch layer while avoiding direct contact with plant stems. While it may not be the best choice for vegetable gardens or homes with curious pets, gorilla hair mulch can be a game-changer for the right landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace gorilla hair mulch?

Gorilla hair mulch typically lasts 3–4 years before you’ll need to replace it, depending on your climate and weather conditions.


Can I use gorilla hair mulch in a vegetable garden?

I don’t recommend using it for veggie gardens. It decomposes slowly and doesn’t add nutrients to the topsoil quickly. It’s better suited as ground cover for ornamental beds and around trees and shrubs.


Does gorilla hair mulch attract termites?

No, the natural oils in redwood and cedar bark mulch actually repel many insects, including termites. This makes it a good choice for use near structures.


Editorial Contributors
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Henry Parker

Henry Parker is a home improvement enthusiast who loves to share his passion and expertise with others. He writes on a variety of topics, such as painting, flooring, windows, and lawn care, to help homeowners make informed decisions and achieve their desired results. Henry strives to write high quality guides and reviews that are easy to understand and practical to follow. Whether you are looking for the best electric riding lawn mower, the easiest way to remove paint from flooring, or the signs of a bad tile job, Henry has you covered with his insightful and honest articles. Henry lives in Florida with his wife and two kids, and enjoys spending his free time on DIY projects around the house. You can find some of his work on Today’s Homeowner, where he is a regular contributor.

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Jonathon Jachura

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Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

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