Mulching

Mulching Information

Whether you are mulching a newly planted tree or an established tree, laying down a thick layer of wood chip mulch is highly beneficial for many different reasons. Mulch helps conserve and retain soil moisture, it insulates the roots from temperature extremes, reduces competition from grasses and weeds, and prevents damage from string trimmers and mowers.

Mulching a Newly Planted Tree

How to Mulch Your Tree

Determine the area to apply wood chip mulch, a minimum 4 ft. diameter ring is recommended. Weeds and grass steal valuable water and nutrients from your developing tree. Remove all weeds and grass from the area you plan to mulch. Either hand-pull the vegetation or use a contact herbicide with glyphosate, such as basic Roundup. If using an herbicide, be sure to read the label for proper application rates and safety procedures. Layer wood chips over the area to a depth of 4 in., leaving a 3-4 in. space between the mulch and the stem. Do not pile up mulch directly against the stem.

How to Maintain your Wood Chip Mulch

Mulch will eventually decompose or blow away, so you will need to add mulch at least once a year. Annually refresh wood chip mulch if the depth is less than 2 inches. Also, check the diameter of the mulch ring, oftentimes grass or weeds will encroach. Remove any vegetation within the mulched area and maintain at least a 4 ft. diameter mulch ring.

More Mulching Information

Choosing the Right Mulch

Wood chips generated by chipping up tree branches are the best choice for mulching newly planted or established trees. Here are a few of the benefits of using wood chips:

Provides a sustainable level of nutrient availability and builds soil organic matter
Improves water and oxygen movement in the soil
Reduces evaporation
Prevents soil erosion and compaction
Enhances beneficial microbes, especially mycorrhizae
Ideal for weed control to avoid root competition
Reduces lawn mower and string trimmer damage
Aesthetic quality/pleasing

Mulches to Avoid

Synthetic mulches:
- Plastic, Rubber

Do’s and Don’ts

Do mulch a wide area.
Don’t mulch too deep (over 4 inches).
Don’t mound mulch around the trunk, creating a mulch volcano.
Do allow the root flare to be visible.
Don’t let weeds overrun your mulched areas.
Do enjoy the added beauty that mulch can bring to your yard!

Mulching FAQ's

What is the best type of mulch to use in my landscape?

Keep in mind that wood chip mulch is the best for your trees and other vegetation. If you have decided to switch from wood mulch you can keep the wood mulch and add the new mulch on top as your wood mulch will compost into the soil which is ideal. If you are switching to the preferred wood chips, remove all previous mulch (aside from other organic mulch such as leaves, straw, and pine needles) prior to adding your new mulch.

Is wood chip mulch better than rock mulch?

Yes, wood chips are the best choice of mulch for trees. Generated through chipping trees or parts of trees. Organic mulch can improve soil structure by reducing compaction, enhance the establishment of trees and shrubs in low-maintenance landscapes, and enhance beneficial microbes.
Adding rock around the base of your tree is also acceptable but not ideal. Rock can cause the soil below to become compacted preventing the water to soak into the ground. Also, adding rock as a covering does not add additional nutrients to the soil like organic mulch does.

Should I use weed barrier or landscape fabric beneath my mulch?

No, weed barrier or landscape fabric are not needed beneath mulch. Nutrients and compost are unable to break down and provide the benefits mulch brings to trees. Weed barrier or landscape fabric interferes with the mulch breakdown that releases nutrients that help enrich the soil and microorganisms that are beneficial to your tree’s roots and overall health. Here are a few cons to using weed barrier or landscape fabric beneath mulch: