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Avoid the "Mulch Volcano"
Mulching is an important step to the appearance of landscaped area. It also helps moderate temperature, improve the soil biology and utility and also keep moisture in the soil. It also reduces weeds, which can reduce the likelihood of damage to the tree from grass trimmers and also the dreaded lawn mower. That isn't the most important benefit. One of the things is by applying mulch, we have to make sure to do it correctly because you can definitely put on too much and it can create a lot of damage and health problems of the tree.
The two major types of mulch are inorganic and organic mulch.
Inorganic much include various types of stone, lava, rock and pulverized rubber. Inorganic mulch does not decompose and does not need to be replenished often. On the other hand, they do not improve soil structure at organic materials or provide nutrients.
Organic mulch includes wood chips, pine needles, hardwood and softwood bark, cocoa hulls. Compost mixes in a variety of other products, usually derived from plants. Organic mulches decompose in a landscape which improve the soil quality and fertility. Most arborists and other landscape professionals consider that characteristic a positive one.
Despite the added maintenance, the generally recommended mulching depth is two to four inches. Unfortunately, many landscapes are falling victim to the plague of multiple applications of top dressing with new mulch annually, often just for the sake of refreshing, the color and it can create a buildup to depths that can be unhealthy. Deep mulch can lead to excess moisture in the root zone, which can stress the plant and cause root rot.
Piling mulch against the trunk or the stems of the plant can lead to insect and disease problems and may create habitats for rodents that chew the bark and can girdle the trees.
Here are some guidelines to use when applying mulch.
So we want to use a 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch, not put up against the tree for well-trained sites. And additionally, want to put it out to the outer drip line for poor drainage sites. Want to use a thinner layer for it. So we talked about how deep, people are always asking us how far off from the trunk do you extend the mulch? And we always kind of joke that if the trees could talk, they'd want their entire root system to be mulched. Guess it's good that trees can't talk..
The two major types of mulch are inorganic and organic mulch.
Inorganic much include various types of stone, lava, rock and pulverized rubber. Inorganic mulch does not decompose and does not need to be replenished often. On the other hand, they do not improve soil structure at organic materials or provide nutrients.
Organic mulch includes wood chips, pine needles, hardwood and softwood bark, cocoa hulls. Compost mixes in a variety of other products, usually derived from plants. Organic mulches decompose in a landscape which improve the soil quality and fertility. Most arborists and other landscape professionals consider that characteristic a positive one.
Despite the added maintenance, the generally recommended mulching depth is two to four inches. Unfortunately, many landscapes are falling victim to the plague of multiple applications of top dressing with new mulch annually, often just for the sake of refreshing, the color and it can create a buildup to depths that can be unhealthy. Deep mulch can lead to excess moisture in the root zone, which can stress the plant and cause root rot.
Piling mulch against the trunk or the stems of the plant can lead to insect and disease problems and may create habitats for rodents that chew the bark and can girdle the trees.
Here are some guidelines to use when applying mulch.
- If mulch is already present, check the depth. Do not add mulch.
- If there is a sufficient layer in place, rake the old mulch to break up any matted layers and to refresh the appearance.
- If mulch is piled against the stems or the tree trunks, pull it back several inches so that the base of the trunk and the trunk flare are exposed.
- Composted woodchips can make good mulch, especially when they contain a blend of leaves, bark and wood. Fresh woodchips may also be used around established trees and shrubs.
- Avoid using fine noncom posted woodchips that have been stored in large piles without exposure to oxygen.
So we want to use a 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch, not put up against the tree for well-trained sites. And additionally, want to put it out to the outer drip line for poor drainage sites. Want to use a thinner layer for it. So we talked about how deep, people are always asking us how far off from the trunk do you extend the mulch? And we always kind of joke that if the trees could talk, they'd want their entire root system to be mulched. Guess it's good that trees can't talk..