The Correct Way to Mulch, a Hollis NH Homeowner Discovers
The mulch volcanoes that many homeowners place around their trees can actually do more damage than good, as one Hollis homeowner recently found out. A common mistake is to surround a tree with eight to ten inches of mulch and call it a day. This can actually be a death sentence for the tree.
Prolonged Dark and Moisture Can Cause Tree Bark to Rot
Tree bark, which works to protect the trunk, is intended to be exposed to air and light. Piling mulch as a high as a foot around the base of the tree trunk has the opposite effect, preventing the lower bark areas from any exposure to light. The moisture from the mulch also can cause the bark to rot, leaving the entire tree vulnerable to insects and disease.
Mulching Your Tree Can Be Beneficial, When Done Right
Mulch can be beneficial for your trees, protecting them from damage caused by a lawn mower and keeping the soil moist and the temperature stabilized throughout the year. Mulch is also great at preventing weed growth, keeping the area around the tree clean.
When mulching around a tree, the depth of the mulch should be between two and four inches maximum. After applying the mulch around the tree, spread the mulch away from the tree, thinning the area. The diameter should reach to the canopy line of the tree.
The frequency for replacing your mulch will depend on the type that you use. An organic mulch that decomposes will need to be replenished more often. These mulches can be very effective at improving the soil structure.
A short lesson in the proper way to mulch and this Hollis homeowner is rethinking the way he cares for his trees, making changes that will keep his trees healthy for many years to come.
