Mulch Around a Tree
Putting mulch around a tree not only makes lawns more attractive but also provides many benefits. This protective covering controls weeds, helps maintain moisture and temperature in the soil near the tree and saves it from damage caused by insects, lawn equipment and some disease. However, it is important to learn how to mulch around a tree correctly to avoid potential problems. Mulch applied incorrectly can stimulate the growth of fungus, and attract insects that can potentially damage a tree. Following a few simple steps can guide you through the correct process of mulching around a tree.
Steps
- Purchase a rake and natural mulch, such as composite wood chips, from your local lawn and garden store.
- Prepare the area around the tree by removing any debris, sticks, limbs and weeds.
- Rake the area to make the ground around the tree as even as possible.
- Apply the mulch in a circle around the tree. Put it about the length of the limbs on small, young trees. Measure about a {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} span (about 3.5 m) around large, adult trees.
- Make sure the mulch measures about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in depth.
- Spread the mulch evenly around the tree by using your rake.
- Step back and check the appearance of the mulch ring and make any adjustments, if needed, to make the shape even.
- Apply water around the mulched tree if the soil is particularly dry.
- Check your mulched tree throughout the season for weeds and pull them as needed.
Tips
- To make old mulch around trees look fresh, try raking it instead of adding more to it.
- If the soil around the tree you are mulching is poor, or the tree does not appear to be thriving, try adding natural or commercial fertilizer prior to applying the mulch.
- It is best to apply mulch evenly and not in piles. The once popular "volcano" look in which mulch is piled in a cone shape around the tree can actually be damaging to the roots and bark. It can also reduce absorption of water, oxygen and sunlight, encourage insects and fungal growth and even provide a home for rodents and small animals that are not good for trees.
- When learning how to mulch around a tree, plan to do it in the spring after the ground's temperature has warmed.
- Always use natural mulch around trees. Artificial mulch can smother the tree roots because water and oxygen can not penetrate through it. Natural mulch adds organic material to the soil, which is beneficial to trees.
Warnings
- Do not put too much mulch around trees. If it is too deep, it can damage the roots and trunks. Mulch should not be deeper than 4 inches (10 cm).
- Do not add new mulch to old mulch that is already around a tree. Remove the old mulch first then apply new. This will help prevent potential problems such as increasing growth of fungus or amount of insects that may already exist in the old mulch.
- When mulching around trees, do not put it too close to the trunk. Leave about 12 inches (30.5 cm) from the tree to the mulch to keep the trunk healthy by discouraging insect infestation and fungus growth.
- Never use black plastic mulch around trees. It can result in many problems, including insects, fungus and lack of water and oxygen absorption.
- Pull mulch back away from tree trunk to prevent rotting.
Things You'll Need
- Mulch
- Rake
- Fertilizer (optional)
