Wow, this seems like something totally not worth writing about, but in all actuality tree mulching is taken for granted and definitely not done properly by most. So I guess I feel it is important to discuss the benefits of mulching and the proper way to mulch your trees. Mulching of trees done correctly can be like adding the cherry and chocolate sauce to the perfect ice cream sundae. I mean is an ice cream sundae really an ice cream sundae with out the chocolate and cherry?
I guess the first thing to ask is, why should I mulch my trees? Well, it’s not just for aesthetics there is way more to it. Proper mulching acts as an insulator to protect your trees in the winter time from the winter cycle of freezing-thawing-freezingthawing that may damage your tree’s root system. Mulching also helps stop soil erosion, helps stop compaction from heavy rain or foot traffic, conserves moisture, keeps soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter, weed control, improves soil texture, increases soil fertility, conserves moisture, increases the earthworm population and much more. These are the true benefits to mulching your trees. But if your trees aren’t mulched properly, then you can actually do harm to your trees.
Have you heard of volcano mulching, well if you haven’t then you should hear about it now! Volcano mulching is when you place your mulch high up against the truck of your tree and taper it down. When I drive around our town, I see it everywhere and truly want to send out pictures on social media to say STOP it’s more harmful than helpful! This creates tons of issues for your tree’s health and is an absolute NO NO in the tree care industry! So say no to volcano mulching and do it right so you actually help your trees verses harming them.
There is an actual process for mulching your trees that is very simple to follow. Do not place the mulch up to the trunk of your tree, spread the mulch to a diameter of at least 3 feet, and do not put the mulch over 4 inches thick. Very simple and so completely important to maintaining healthy trees. It is something all of us home owners can do ourselves. But now that you know how to mulch, you must ask yourself what to use when mulching your trees.
In the tree care industry it is believed that “natural” is always the best route to follow. By this I mean, use materials that come from nature and aren’t altered by dies or other chemicals. My favorite is wood chips from trees that have been removed that didn’t contain any diseases. It is a way to recycle our trees back into the environment and it looks so aesthetically pleasing. Another option is pine straw. Again it is natural and can do the same thing that wood chips do. Of course there are other options, but I stick to the basic wood chips or pine straw and find that it does an amazing job.
Seeing as I have gone on this long, I guess tree mulching isn’t such an unworthy topic of discussion. There are so many benefits to mulching trees the proper way that it will pay off in the long run. And if you take anything from this remember, keep it natural and stay away from the volcano!
“Healthy trees make healthier people!”
Bofinger’s Tree Service Mission Statement:
We believe in safe, superior service and strengthening client relationships through honesty, education, and awareness that trees play a vital part in our community while promoting a greener environment.
