Most people know that adding a thin layer of organic material around the base of a tree is helpful for retaining moisture and enhancing soil nutrients. However, learning how to apply mulch around trees while avoiding suffocating roots is a little more challenging. You might need the help of professionals offering tree services in Clifton, VA.

Learn more about the proper tree mulching techniques you should use.

Why Mulch Is Important for the Health of Your Trees

What is mulch? It is a material used to cover the soil’s surface around plants. In a flower garden, some people use mulch to protect the plants while limiting weeds from sprouting.

Performing tree care with mulch offers several benefits to the plant. The material protects roots that may be poking out of the ground near the base. Mulching around the tree provides clean lines and an organized look for your landscaping design.

Selecting the Proper Material for Mulching Around Trees

The first step in determining how to apply mulch around trees is picking the right product. Most people prefer an organic material, such as shredded bark or wood chips. These natural items add nutrients to the soil as they decompose. 

Avoid using non-organic materials around trees, such as rubber pellets or gravel. Rocks could damage the shallow roots or the trunk’s bark, while rubber mulch won’t add any nutrients to the soil.

Creating a Barrier by Using Garden Edging

Mulch is a lightweight material that could slide out of place during windy weather. Water runoff could also carry the wood chips away.

You should use garden edging to create a circle extending about three feet in diameter around the trunk. Dig away the sod inside the circle and level the soil. You might want to add a pre-emergent weed killer before applying the mulch to keep weeds from sprouting.

Be careful with the shovel to avoid puncturing shallow roots. You might want to call professionals to help. They’ll have the tools and skills to remove the sod while protecting the shallow roots.

Adding the Correct Thickness of Material When Mulching

A key step in learning how to apply mulch around trees is to avoid stacking the material too high. Try to keep the mulch at about three inches thick. Mulch will compact and decompose over several weeks and months, so you will need to replenish it occasionally to maintain that three-inch layer.

Placing the Organic Material in the Correct Location Near the Trunk

One vital mulching tip for healthy trees is to keep organic material away from the trunk. Leave some space between the mulch layer and the trunk. 

For most trees, leaving a few inches of space near the trunk is enough to protect the root flare from suffocation. However, if your tree has a lot of exposed roots near the trunk, you can call a professional for advice about exactly where to place the mulch.

Never pile it directly against the trunk several inches high. Called “volcano mulching,” this practice suffocates the bark on the trunk, potentially leading to rot.

Let Dos Amigos Tree Experts Help With Mulching Around Trees

Rather than worrying about how to apply mulch around trees, consult with the experts at Dos Amigos Tree Experts. Correct mulch application is essential for the health of your trees. Adding the wrong thickness of organic material, using the wrong material, and not keeping mulch away from tree trunks are common mistakes we see homeowners make.

We can successfully manage all your tree care needs, including planting, mulching, fertilization, and trimming. For a free estimate, call us today at (703) 300-6103.