Terri Ramsey Beavers
Taking care of your yard can sometimes feel like a full-time job. After all, there’s always a chore that needs to be done.
This is especially true if you have trees on your property. Keeping your trees healthy and beauty doesn’t happen by accident. Just like any other type of landscaping, they need a plenty of TLC in order to look their best.
This article takes a look at how to mulch around trees on your property. Keep reading to get the inside scoop on how to mulch around trees so that they’ll look great all year-round.
Type of Mulch to Use on Trees
There are different types of mulch that work great for keeping trees healthy. These include shredded leaves, wood chips, or standard bark mulch.
The key to using wood-chip mulches is to age the chips first. And be sure to use shredded leaves rather than whole leaves. This will help release the nutrients contained inside the leaves so they can reach the tree.
Keep in mind that nutrients are especially important for young trees, thus you should choose mulch accordingly.
It’s also important to remember that shredded leaves will decompose faster and will therefore have to be replaced sooner than other types of mulch.
The Benefits of Applying Mulch to Trees
Mulching around trees offers several benefits. These include keeping weeds down, as well as keeping the roots cooler during warmer months.
Mulch also helps absorb water that might otherwise evaporate when the sun is out. It also helps prevent soil erosion, especially if the tree is located on a hillside.
When to Apply Mulch Around Trees
In general, it’s fine to apply mulch at any time of year. Just keep in mind that you should apply early enough before summer to protect your trees from the heat.
And if you live in a colder climate, try to wait until the warmth of spring arrives before applying so that the soil isn’t frozen.
Contact J.W. Lawncare Inc for your mulching needs.
Where to Apply
You’ll want to create a ring at the base of the tree that extends away from the trunk for 3-6 feet. Just be sure to extend the layer out enough to cover the entire root system.
How Deep to Apply
Applying mulch around trees is a simple process. The key is to keep the layer around 3 inches deep, although you might want to use 4 inches on sandy soil that trends to drain fast. And only soils that drain very slowly, you’ll probably need less than 2 inches.
How Often to Reapply
There’s no reason to overdo it. The key factor in reapplying mulch is how well it holds up. You need to apply a new layer as the old layer breaks down and decomposes. For some homeowners, this might be only once or twice a year, whereas others might need to reapply a little more often to keep the root system as healthy as possible.
A Homeowner’s Guide to How to Mulch Around Trees
It’s important to keep your property looking healthy and beautiful. Fortunately, these tips for how to mulch around trees will help keep your landscaping in perfect condition.
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