Switched to aspen today and...

[J.Vandegrift]

I know what aspen is and I know where I've bought it. I've also gotten at it my local nursery, or maybe it was marble chips.

You have bought cypress mulch. Aspen is not available in any garden center, HD or lowes. There is no reason for them to sell it there because it is not used for landscaping. Not trying to be rude, but I believe you are mistaken. Could you post a pic of your "aspen"? I will be glad to say I was wrong if you post a picture and it turns out to be aspen.