Six Tips on Mulching Trees

Mulching benefits trees and shrubs. It reduces water evaporation, prevents soil compaction, and boosts root penetration and aeration. It also prevents soil erosion from wind and rain, reduces pressure from weeds, and enriches the soil. In short, mulching promotes plant growth and hardiness when done correctly. But there’s more to mulching than many people think.

Here are six tips on how to mulch your trees and shrubs:

1. Mulch when it’s best for your trees and shrubs. Early spring (after the last frost) or late fall are generally ideal because soil temperatures are mild. 

• Remove any weeds or debris around the plant’s base, and identify your drip line then. spread the mulch to at least this edge but at least three to five feet from the trunk.

• Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch for mature trees and a 1 to 2-inch layer for young and new trees. Leave a gap between 2 to 3 inches from the tree trunk or shrub base. 

• Create a clean border around the mulch using either bricks, stone, or other edging material, which prevents the mulch from spreading and helps maintain a nice appearance.

• Replenish the mulch as it decomposes. The mulch won’t suppress all your weeds, so you may still have to pull some from the ground. Pull them gently to avoid disturbing the mulch. it

• Check the soil under the mulch during dry periods. If it feels dry, water it deeply. You want to make sure the water gets to all the roots.

Apply these tips to mulch in a way that’s designed to boost your tree’s and shrub’s health and hardiness. For more help with mulching, contact RI Tree .