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The Importance of Tree Mulching and How to Go About It


Trees that are being grown require a lot of care and help, unlike those that grow in the wilderness where they get their nutrients and support directly from nature. Organic matter that can be found on the forest floor like dried leaves, twigs, drooping flowers, wood, and other debris, are nothing but mulch. This organic matter cools the soil and reduces compaction, thus keeping other plants and grass from growing around the tree and hogging its nutrients and support. Tree mulching helps build the foundation of the tree and supports the roots from the underground.

Tree Roots, in general, run up to 6 to 12 inches under the soil surface and hence tree mulching is easily accessible for their growth. In fact, the trees in their yards have native trees that are well adapted for a forest setting. Giving the tree roots plenty of moisture and oxygen along with a cooled environment will help the trees grow in a healthy robust manner.

Best Mulching Tips

Getting your trees mulched is always advised as it segregates the tree areas from the grass area and thus improving the root system and tree health It is good to be able to identify proper mulching and mulch material. Here are some tips to identify and provide good tree mulching:

  1. Good mulching must extend to cover at least three feet from a tree trunk in all directions. In fact, the wider the better.

  2. Rough and coarse woody mulch will give a natural effect to nurture the tree. A mix of leaves, pine needles, ground bark, grass clippings, and other compost will also give the desired effect.

  3. A good mulch level is at 4 to 6 inches below the surface. Any deeper and it can spoil the ground and affect the tree mulching.

  4. Plastic sheets deprive the roots of oxygen and cause them to deteriorate so try not using them.

  5. Avoid non-organic mulches like gravel, marble chips or hard lava rock as they lead to soil compaction and heat up the yard floor.

Choosing the Right Mulch

It is essential that you know what kind of mulch is being used by your tree mulching service provider. There are many factors that affect the mulch around your trees and in your yard once you decide on tree mulching in your garden/yard:

  1. Texture: A roughly medium coarse texture is anytime better than soft or coarse mulch. The medium-coarse texture helps pack the perfect amount of moisture and holds it until it reaches the roots.

  2. Availability: Check out the availability of perfect mulch or your preferred mulch before it is laid into your yard. Buying in bulk might get you mulch at a much lower cost.

  3. Nutritional value: Organic mulch provides the much required and essential nutrients to the tree roots, especially as it decomposes. In doing so the mulch builds to the soil structure making the tree’s foundation stronger.

  4. Aesthetic Value: It is up to you to choose which type of mulch is to be used for your tree. However, it is ideal to compost or treats the organic mulch to get rid of any weed seeds, insects or even disease-carrying microorganisms, especially if the mulch is derived from unhealthy plants or has been sitting out in the open indefinitely. Tree mulching can be aesthetically appealing when you use composted mulch as it tends to have a uniform texture.

By mulching your trees and shrubs, you can also protect them from weathering and any damages caused by lawnmowers. It enhances your landscape aesthetics and makes your lawn more appealing. However, it is better to go for a tree mulching service rather than doing it yourself as it needs a lot of precision and care without which the entire yard can be damaged. Good mulch keeps your trees healthy very much.

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