How to Mulch Trees the Right Way
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Value of tree mulching
Creating a mulch ring around a newly planted or young tree less than 10 years old is the single best practice that can be done once the tree is planted. Tree mulching provides so many benefits, most importantly increased growth. Everyone wants a fast growing tree and proper mulching is the key. Research has proven that, over time, a mulch ring placed 3 to 6 feet around the tree can almost double the growth rate of the tree.
Mulching decreases competition from the grass. Grass robs water and nutrients from the tree’s root development and delays its establishment. A properly placed mulch ring helps conserve moisture and cools the soil aiding in root growth. Lastly, the other main advantage to mulch is it keeps our lawn mowers and weed whips away from the tender trunks. It is amazing how many landscape trees have been compromised by having chunks of bark knocked off in our zest to whack back every single blade of grass.
How not to mulch a tree

Mulch heaped onto the trunk of the tree will result in a shortened life expectancy, or even death. Mulch that touches the trunk is moist from rainfall and irrigation. Over time this moisture rots and decays the bark layer of the tree, which kills the cambium layer area of tree growth and eventually rots the heartwood of the tree.
Deep piles of mulch, over 4 to 6 inches deep also excludes oxygen from the soil. This results in root development up into the mulch layer, not down into the soil. These so called surface or mulch roots do little to support the tree in the long-term for robust growth.
How to mulch a tree

The thickness of the mulch layer should be somewhere between 2 and 4 inches deep, or thick. It does not take piles to accomplish the benefits of mulch. A properly mulched tree should appear to have just a slightly raised ring around the tree.
Over time the mulch will blow up next to the trunk and breakdown. This means that as part of normal maintenance the mulch ring should be replenished yearly. Start by carefully pulling the mulch back from the trunk, and then add enough new mulch to the 4 inch depth.
Types of mulch
The best mulch for trees is organic wood chips. There are a number of different wood chip products which all accomplish the desired outcome of improved tree growth. Select which type of mulch fits your budget and desired appearance. Raked leaves are just as effective as the trendiest designer dyed mulch on the market. Wood mulches will not transmit insect and diseases to the tree. Any harm associated with wood chips comes from improper mulching practices. Keep in mind, mulch serves a function. Its secondary aesthetics is only important to one’s personal taste. The tree really does not care.
Mulching young trees is more important to overall establishment and growth than fertilization or other practices. The removal of the sod and creating this zone of root development will help develop a healthy tree. Don’t follow the bad examples done by many grounds maintenance firms and unknowing neighbors. Join my soap box and spread the word about the importance of correct tree mulching for success.