Mulching is the most beneficial thing a home owner can do for the health of a young tree. Mulches are materials placed on the soil surface to improve soil structure, oxygen levels, temperature and moisture availability. Properly applied, mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-groomed appearance.
Mulch must be applied properly. If a mulch is too deep or if the wrong material is used, it can actually cause harm to trees and other landscape plants. Mulch should usually be 2-4 inches deep.
Mulch must be applied properly. If a mulch is too deep or if the wrong material is used, it can actually cause harm to trees and other landscape plants. Mulch should usually be 2-4 inches deep.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Takes 5 minutes plus finding a mulching material
Here's How:
- Pick an appropriate time to mulch: · Annually, in spring, before soil moisture decreases and temperatures increase · Prior to, during, and after construction or infrastructure changes affecting tree roots and tree health · After tree injury
- Find and prepare a good quality mulching material. Organic materials are preferable to inorganic materials (rock, stone, shredded rubber) but when organic mulching materials decompose, they must be replenished. I recommend these mulches: · Wood chips, composted for 4 months minimum · Pine needles · Tree bark · Leaf mold · Compost
- Always use this mulching method: · Apply mulch in a circle covering the entire root system of a tree. Most of the fine, absorbing roots of a tree extend well beyond the tree canopy, or drip line. The general recommended mulching depth is 2-4 inches. · Keep mulch at least 6 inches from the base of the tree trunk.
- Make sure you are not doing this: · Mulching with a deep layer of material (over six inches of material) · Mulching with piles high against the trunks of young trees. This can lead to insect and disease problems.
- Think about how mulching benefits the tree by: · Conserving soil moisture · Improving soil structure · Reducing soil compaction · Increasing soil aeration · Increasing the available nutrients · Suppressing grasses and weeds · Making the arborscape attractive · Helps prevent damage from mowers and weed whackers
What You Need:
- Shovel and/or rake
- A mulching material
