Benefits of Mulching Trees and How to Do It Properly

When a tree is newly planted, one of the best ways to ensure it grows healthy is mulching. Mulch provides a form of insulation that protects the tree from heat and cold temperatures. Mulching also helps to retain water and ensure the roots of the tree remain moist. By adding mulch around your tree, you keep weeds out and therefore avoid root competition that can hinder the tree’s growth and lead to tree removal Mississauga. Most importantly, mulching helps to prevent soil compaction.

Adding mulch around newly planted trees can also help to keep fungal spores and other diseases from getting to your tree. The same mulch will provide a buffer that protects your lawn equipment from any form of damage. Mulch can also improve the appearance of your lawn. It gives the planting beds a nicely manicured appearance. It’s also a way of slowing down water evaporation from the soil and prevent soil erosion/water runoff.

Steps to properly mulch your trees

Applying mulch on your trees is not hard. Before you call your arborist Toronto for help, below are a few tips to help you succeed in the process.

Know when to apply
Mulch can be applied on the tree at any time of the year. However, most arborists recommend having it placed before the hot summer. When it’s too cold, wait until the heat goes up so that the soil is a bit warm when mulch is applied.
Know where to apply
Mulch should be applied in form of a ring that is at least 3 to 6 feet from the trunk of the tree. As a rule of thumb, the mulch needs to be placed at least up to the tree’s dripline, which is where the edges of the outermost leaves are. However, if you have a large and mature tree, you may find yourself applying inside the tree’s dripline which is still ok so long as it’s within 3 to 6 feet from the trunk.

One mistake that most people make when applying mulch is placing it directly against the tree trunk. You need to pull it back just a few inches from the trunk. Ideally, you need to create a doughnut hole. This hole is important as it ensures there’s adequate air that reaches the trunk. Also, make sure any existing weeds or turf are removed before applying the mulch.
Should mulch be applied deep?
The best way to do it is to apply the mulch 2 to 3 inches deep. You may need to go a little deeper depending on the type of soil. For instance, if the soil is fast-draining, you need to apply mulch up to 4 inches deep. Soils that drain much slower can do with 1 to 2-inch layer of mulch.
How soon should you replenish?
It depends on the type of mulch used. For the organic mulch that breaks down over time, you will need to replenish regularly. Organic mulch is the one made from compost, wood chips, ground bark among other materials. Make sure you check the existing layer before adding more mulch. Get in touch with a tree service Toronto for help in applying mulch.