Critical Root Zone Mulching
Nearly every landscape tree should have a mulch ring over the critical root zone. Mulching provides many benefits, and in the long term saves money for the homeowner.
Benefits of mulching:
1. Maintains soil moisture for the tree.
2. Buffers extreme heat and cold from the tree’s roots.
3. Decomposition provides nutrients to the tree.
4. Keeps mowers and weedeaters from damaging the trunk.
5. Prevents other plants and grasses from competing for food and water with the tree.
6. A tree with a healthy rootzone can more effectively fight fungal and bacterial infections, and is less likely to be attacked by insects.
7. Mulching helps prevent soil compaction.
8. Less grass to mow means less fuel consumed and less time mowing.
9. A healthy tree is less likely to fail possibly causing injury, damage or expense.
10. A healthy tree is much more beautiful than an unhealthy tree.
How to mulch correctly:
1. The mulch ring SHOULD NOT touch the trunk of the tree. 6″-12″ away is good.
2. The mulch ring SHOULD be 2″-4″ deep. Less is not enough, more is too much.
3. The mulch ring SHOULD extend out to the drip line if possible.
4. If using green wood chips, they SHOULD be aged before application.
5. The mulch ring SHOULD NEVER be piled around the trunk.
Mulching (done right) is a very effective way to improve the conditions in the critical root zone. It helps keep your trees healthy and strong.
Hiring Tree Solutions to properly mulch your trees is easy and inexpensive. Please contact us to set up an appointment for a free estimate.
