Mulching is a well-known, long-time method of maintaining tree and plant health. But be careful! It’s easy to over-mulch your beds, which can be more harmful to your plants than helpful.
Knowing how to properly mulch trees can help keep your backyard a healthy and vibrant oasis.
Benefits of Mulching Trees
Mulch conserves and extends water to help keep the soil moist, protects the soil from erosion, suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature, and can act as a pleasant addition to landscape aesthetics.
Because it’s made of primarily organic material, such as tree bark, wood chips, leaves, pine straw, and moss, mulch is similar to a forest floor that provides vital nutrients absorbed by the soil, which help trees live longer .
How To Properly Mulch Around A Tree
Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch evenly around your tree canopy without piling it on the trunk. You can add another layer yearly depending on how much has broken down in the previous year.
Once the mulch is piled under the tree, use a rake or pitchfork to spread it evenly to the furthest edges of the canopy or a diameter of at least 4 to 5 feet around the trunk, depending on the size of your tree.
Too Much Mulch Can Cause Problems
While there are many benefits of mulching trees, too much mulch can be harmful. Make sure to avoid these common mulching mistakes:
- Excess mulch can suffocate a tree’s roots, leading to root rot
- Volcanoing your mulch or piling it up near the trunk can promote excess moisture to a tree’s trunk, causing decay and conditions ideal for fungal growth. Too much mulch around your tree’s trunk can also create a home for rodents that strip bark.
Common Mulching Questions
Early to mid-spring is the best time of year for mulching in Massachusetts. During this time, the risk of frost has passed, and the soil has warmed up enough, but weeds have yet to sprout.
If the tree is properly watered, mulching before or after rain doesn’t make a huge difference. If needed, applying mulch after it rains allows the soil to absorb as much moisture as possible before the mulch locks it in. If applied before rain, the mulch can absorb the water and become too heavy.
Typically, mulch should be added annually, depending on how much has broken down. It should be replaced sooner if it is in a high-foot-traffic area or decomposes quickly. If it’s left alone and not broken down, you can postpone adding more for another year .
While you don’t need to completely clear your space of old mulch before laying down new, it’s a good idea to move most of it to ensure proper drainage and prevent potential issues with your trees. If the remaining mulch layer is thin, you can add a fresh layer on top of it.
Since mulch is made up of organic material, it can attract insects. But don’t worry! Millipedes, centipedes, spiders, and some other microorganisms can actually help break down organic mulch and feed on pests.
Organic mulch is made up of plant material that breaks down over time, providing essential nutrients to your tree. Some inorganic mulch is made from human-made materials such as rubber and landscape fabric that can girdle the tree or prevent air exchange. It’s best to avoid inorganic mulch in most cases.
Why You Should Hire a Certified Arborist
Knowing what mulch to use and when to mulch can be a challenging task to keep up with. At Hartney Greymont, we have local arborists throughout Massachusetts located in Needham, Concord, Danvers, Cape Cod and the surrounding areas with the expertise to help you pick the right mulch for your needs and apply it correctly.
Contact Your Local Hartney Greymont Office For Proper Mulching
