Mastering the Art of Tree Mulching: 7 Tips for Beginners

Mulching is one of the things you can do to ensure that the trees around you are healthy. However, if done in the wrong way, the mulch may become harmful. So, before applying mulch around trees, you should be aware of how to do it properly.

When applying mulch for the first time, you should be aware of the right way to apply it, the amount, the type of mulch to use, and the areas to apply it. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips on how to add mulch to help the trees around you.

Benefits of Mulching

Although mulching can be a healthy way to take care of the trees, you should first know the specific benefits it provides. Here are some reasons why you should consider mulching.

• Controls the temperature

• Retains the moisture

• Prevents diseases

• Decorative

• Suppresses weeds

• Prevents solid erosion

1. Choose the Right Mulch

Choosing the right mulch is the first step to successful mulching. The most common mulch used includes shredded bark, wood chips, compost, and pine needles. You can also try the inorganic mulch, which you can still find in the surroundings. Some of the inorganic mulch that you can easily spot include gravel, small rocks, and rubber mulch.

Lastly, although there’s also an option for living mulch, it may not be a popular choice. But if you want to try, living mulch is usually a type of plant that grows lowly, which protects the trees around it. Some examples include creeping thyme and clover.

2. Ensure the Base is Clear

Once you’re done choosing the right mulch, the next step is to clear the base of the tree. In doing so, remove the weeds, grass, and old mulch. Make the base as clear as possible, so that the other elements won’t interfere with what the mulch does.

In some cases, you may encounter growing roots above the ground, so you should also prune them properly. Some of these roots may cause problems in the long run and even kill the tree.

3. Apply the Right Amount of Mulch

Once the base is clear and you have chosen the right mulch, the next step is to apply the mulch. Depending on the size of the tree, you can add around two to four inches of mulch around it. If you’re unsure about the right amount, you can consult with the local arborist for the ideal mulch for the specific tree.

In addition, the amount of mulch also depends on how small the pieces are. If you’re using shredded bark, you should lessen the amount you’re going to add since it tends to compact easily.

4. Keep Mulch Away from the Trunk

One of the things you should always remember when adding mulch is to keep it away from the truck. Many things can happen if you choose to add mulch near the trunk. Some of these include attracting pests and diseases, and the rotting of the base of the trunk.

If you think you’ll always forget this step, the best solution is to create a border with a gap of three to six inches away from the base of the trunk. That way, you can use it as a marker whenever adding mulch.

5. If You Have Enough Mulch, Extend the Mulch to the Drip Line

Aside from having a marker from the base of the track, you should also extend the mulch to the drip line. The drip line is the end part of what the crown covers. It’s the ideal coverage of the drip line since it also moves out as the tree grows.

However, if you don’t have enough mulch, you can add to at least half of the covered part of the crown.

6. Add Fresh Mulch as Needed

If you’re using organic mulch, it may degrade over time. So, every few months, it’s recommended to remove the old mulch and add some fresh mulch. It’s an essential step to remove the old mulch before layering another batch. Meanwhile, if you just keep adding mulch without removing the old mulch, the pile can get too high, and the purpose of the new mulch may not be as effective.

7. Water the Area After Adding Mulch

After adding a fresh batch of mulch, don’t forget to water the area at around an inch to help the mulch settle in place. However, if it’s the rainy season, you can just leave the mulch and let the rain do its magic.

Final Thoughts

If it’s your first time mulching the trees around you, you should be aware of the essential steps to ensure its effectiveness. You can either ask a local arborist or learn the details online. However, the first one is the most recommended, especially if you’re dealing with huge trees that have lived for years.

What type of trees are you taking care of? Don’t hesitate to share with us by commenting below!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer working for Sydney Tree Solutions, a company that provides tree removal and arborist services throughout Sydney. As a writer, she is passionate about providing good-quality articles that help readers make the right choice.