Landscape trees can add visual appeal to any property. One of the best ways to help your landscape trees flourish and stay healthy is to use mulch. You will need to be careful when mulching your trees, however, as it's easy to go wrong and end up doing harm. The following article examines some key do's and don'ts regarding mulching your trees.
Do Use an Organic Mulch
The two main categories of mulch are organic and inorganic. Organic mulch is made from things that were once alive, such as animals or plants, while inorganic mulch is made from non-living materials, such as rocks and plastic.
The Sacramento Tree Foundation, recommends using natural wood chips, an organic mulch, around your trees. These chips, which are made from trees themselves, protect the tree from extreme temperatures. They will also provide excellent nutrition for your tree as well as improve the soil over time. Other good organic choices include shredded leaves, compost, straw, and bark.
Inorganic mulches, such as landscape fabric, rocks and stones, and artificial turf are not good choices because they tend to heat up the soil and prevent nutrients from getting back into the ground.
Don't Volcano Mulch
The common practice of placing mulch in a cone-shaped mound around the tree's base is known as "volcano" mulching. Although frequently seen, this mulching technique is not advisable, according to the University of New Hamshire Extension. Piling up mulch around a tree's base in this way can interfere with the tree's root development. It can also lead to decay and disease in some instances.
Do Spread the Mulch
Rather than piling the mulch up in a cone, spread the mulch out around the tree in a layer of about 2 to 4 inches. Avoid having any mulch touch the trunk. If the tree is young or has just been planted, extend the mulch out to the drip line, which is the outer circumference of the branches. For established trees, spread a three-inch layer of mulch around the tree in a circle that's three- feet deep. Make sure that you leave a space of at least three inches between the mulch and the base of the tree.
Do Replace Your Mulch
Organic mulch decomposes into the soil over time, so you will need to replace it occasionally. Experts recommend replacing your much annually or when its thickness is less than one inch. Makes sure that the area around the tree is free of weeds before adding any mulch.
For more info, contact a local company like Smitty's Tree Service Inc.
Share17 February 2023
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