Did you know that mulching is one of the most effective and beneficial method of tree care? In fact, properly mulching your landscaping trees can promote healthier, longer-lasting trees. Mulch is a man-made product generally composed of organic materials like wood chips, pine needles, manure, and other types of compost. But it can also be made from non-organic materials like rock, stone, Geo-textile fabrics, and pulverized rubber. When applied properly, mulch allows soil to retain sufficient levels of moisture. This not only improves the condition of the soil, it does so much more!
Benefits of Tree Mulching:
• Promotes overall tree health
• Controls weed growth
• Insulates soil
• Protects tree roots from extreme temperatures
• Prevents certain plant diseases
• Improves soil aeration and drainage
• Gives landscaping a well-groomed look
• Mulch decomposition improves soil fertility
• And much more!
When applied improperly, mulch can have negative effects on a tree’s health. For this reason, proper mulching methods are important, and should be practiced every spring. And since spring is here, it is time to start thinking about your seasonal tree care needs, including new mulch! Continue reading to learn how to properly mulch a tree.
Tree Mulching Tips
When it comes to mulching your trees, it is recommended to use organic mulch. Although inorganic mulch is tempting since it doesn’t need to be replenished as often, the benefits derived from organic materials and decomposition outweigh the benefits of using inorganic mulch. In fact, most arborists prefer to use an organic product.
When mulching your trees, keep in mind that using too much can actually be detrimental. Over-mulching can lead to tree stress, excessive ground moisture, root rot, tree and bark diseases, insect and rodent infestations, tree girdling, reduced air penetration, unbalanced soil pH, and more. To be safe, keep mulch depths between 2 and 4 inches.
Be sure to check the project area for adequate water drainage before applying mulch. If the water drainage is poor, then too much mulch may lead to many of the above-mentioned tree problems.
Before applying new mulch over existing mulch, first measure the depth to prevent over-mulching. If the depth is still 2 to 4 inches, do not apply new mulch. Instead, use a rake to release the top matted layers and refresh the look of the mulch. If faded, visit your local gardening store for a spray-on, water-soluble, vegetable-based dye to brighten up the color. Also, be sure to also spread out any piles that may have built-up against the tree trunk. The base of the tree should be exposed.
Budget Tree Care
Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 when you need professional tree service in Indianapolis or throughout Central Indiana. Owner, Curt Scott, has more than 30 years of experience in the tree care industry and offers a wide range of affordable tree services for residential and commercial properties.
Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842