How to Mulch Around Trees Properly

If you’re an avid gardener, you are likely well-aware about the importance of mulch. Not only does mulch help to promote healthy growth, but it can also protect your trees from harsh weather conditions, pests and weeds. Mulching is an incredibly simple and cost-effective way to care for your trees, ensuring that the soil is moist and nutrient rich year-round.

At Jim’s Trees, we are passionate about ensuring trees are thriving, healthy and growing. In this helpful guide, we explain the different types of mulch, why mulching is important and have created an easy step by step guide to mulching your trees.

What are the different types of mulch?

Mulch can be classified into major types; organic and inorganic. Organic mulch is made from organic materials, often recycled green waste such as wood chips, chopped leaves, grass clippings and straw. Inorganic mulch usually consists of materials such as newspapers, pebbles, and rocks.

Which mulch you use on your trees will depend upon your tree’s needs. If you are wanting to prevent pests or weeds thriving in your soil and improve the aesthetics of your landscape, it’s best to use inorganic mulch. However, if you are wanting to retain moisture, add vital nutrients to the soil and aid in growth, it’s best to use organic mulch. This mulch also has the benefit of breaking down into the soil over time.

What are the benefits of using mulch?

Mulching offers numerous benefits to trees. A major advantage of mulch is that it helps to retain moisture in the soil, which is particularly important during hot and dry weather conditions. Mulch also suppresses weed growth, which can compete with your tree for important nutrients and water resources. Mulch enables your tree to receive a heavy boost of nutrients into the soil as it decomposes, which promotes healthy growth. 

Mulch also insulates the soil, which protects the tree’s roots from extreme temperatures whether that is intense heat or cold. Many gardeners mulch in spring to help reduce the impact of frost in the winter months.

When should you mulch your trees?

The best time to mulch your trees is in the early spring or late autumn, but it also depends on why you are choosing to mulch your tree. To retain moisture and promote growth, then mulch your tree at the beginning of spring. If you are wanting to protect your tree from frost, then mulch just before the winter begins and the temperatures rapidly drop. 

Step-by-step guide

The basics of applying mulch is relatively simple, however application can go a long way in how effective your mulch is. Follow our easy guide to learn the proper way to mulch your trees. 

Gather your supplies

Before you start mulching your trees, you need to gather the necessary materials. You will need organic mulch, a shovel, a rake, and a wheelbarrow. The type of organic material you choose will depend on your preference and availability. For example, wood chips are a popular choice because they are easily available and long-lasting. Leaves, grass clippings, and straw are also good options. You may also want to wear gloves while handling the mulch, and as well as eye protection and a face mask or respirator if using particularly dusty organic materials.

Prepare the ground 

Now that you’ve gathered everything you need, it’s time to prepare the ground. Forgoing this step can mean your mulching is less effective as the soil will be covered by debris. Start by removing any weeds or grass around the tree base. Then, use a shovel to loosen the soil and remove any rocks, twigs, leaves or debris. Use a rake to level the soil around the tree.

Edge around your tree

Edging the area around your tree will help the mulch stay in place and prevent it from washing away during heavy rain. To edge around trees, use a spade or edging tool to create a shallow trench in the soil around the outer tree area. The trench should be no more than 2-3 inches deep and 6-12 inches wide. This will give a clean, polished edge to the border of the tree. You can also cut into any surrounding grass to make a clean edge around the tree.  Then, use a rake to smooth out the edges of the trench and create a gentle slope upwards towards the tree trunk. You can create a border around your tree with edging material such as stones, timber or plastic. Finally, fill the trench with mulch, making sure to cover the entire root zone.

Spread your mulch 

When mulching your tree, you want your mulch to be at least 5-10cm deep – although this can depend on your mulch type. Ideally, the mulch should be deep enough to prevent weeds growing, but thin enough that water can still penetrate the soil. Your mulch should cover the area around your tree (roughly 1.5m). Use your rake to evenly spread the mulch. 

Ensure to leave a space directly around the base of the tree. You don’t want to ‘volcano’ your mulch by piling it up against the trunk. 

Maintain your mulch

Even after you’ve finished applying mulch, the job isn’t done! You’ll need to maintain your mulch so it continues to be effective and healthy for your tree. Pull out any weeds that are growing in your mulch. Over time or after heavy rainfall, your mulch may be compacted so you should rake it occasionally to ensure that the tree’s roots have adequate oxygen. It’s best to replenish your mulch every year to keep your tree healthy. 

Trust the mulching experts

If you are finding that your mulching isn’t as effective as you’d like it to be or simply need some assistance with your tree maintenance, you can enlist the professional team at Jim’s Trees! Our mulching service provides your tree with the vital nutrients it needs and is tended by trained professionals. 

Get in touch with us to receive a free quote on your mulching requirements today!