Mulch is a man-made product generally composed of organic materials like wood chips, pine needles, manure, and other types of compost. But it can also be made from non-organic materials like rock, stone, Geo-textile fabrics, and even pulverized rubber. When applied properly, mulch allows soil to retain sufficient levels of moisture. This not only improves the condition of the soil, it does so much more. This is why mulching around trees is such a critical part of tree care.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about mulching trees.

Benefits of Tree Mulching

You may already mulch are trees for the sake of having pretty landscaping, but you might be surprised to learn that your annual mulching routine does more than add value to your property. So if you are asking yourself, “Do I really need to mulch my trees?” the answer is, yes! Take a look at the most common benefits mulch provides our landscaping:

🌳 Promotes overall tree health;
🌳 Controls weed growth;
🌳 Insulates soil;
🌳 Protects tree roots from extreme temperatures;
🌳 Prevents certain plant diseases;
🌳 Improves soil aeration and drainage;
🌳 Gives landscaping a well-groomed look;
🌳 Mulch decomposition improves soil fertility;
🌳 And much more!

Mulch Application Tips

When applied improperly, mulch can have negative effects on a tree’s health. For this reason, proper mulching methods are important, and should be practiced every spring. And since spring is here, it is time to start thinking about your seasonal tree care needs, including new mulch! Here are some tips on how to properly mulch a tree:

When it comes to mulching your trees, it is recommended to use organic mulch. Although inorganic mulch is tempting since it doesn’t need to be replenished as often, the benefits derived from organic materials and decomposition outweigh the benefits of using inorganic mulch. In fact, most tree care pros prefer to use an organic product.

When mulching your trees, keep in mind that using too much can actually be detrimental. Over-mulching can lead to tree stress, excessive ground moisture, root rot, tree and bark diseases, insect and rodent infestations, tree girdling, reduced air penetration, unbalanced soil pH, and more. To be safe, keep mulch depths between 2 and 4 inches.

Be sure to check the project area for adequate water drainage before applying mulch. If the water drainage is poor, then too much mulch may lead to many of the above-mentioned tree problems.

Before applying new mulch over existing mulch, first measure the depth to prevent over-mulching. If the depth is still 2 to 4 inches, do not apply new mulch. Instead, use a rake to release the top matted layers and refresh the look of the mulch.

If faded, visit your local gardening store for a spray-on, water-soluble, vegetable-based dye to brighten up the color. Also, be sure to also spread out any piles that may have built-up against the tree trunk. The base of the tree should be exposed.

Indianapolis Tree Services

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule your needed Indianapolis tree services for your residential or commercial property. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree work at all scopes. Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the pros to trust for quality work at the right price.