Proper tree care contributes to a beautiful yard, and part of that involves regular mulching. Mulch protects and nurtures trees in a number of ways. If you’re ready to add this task to your outdoor routine, here’s what you need to know.

Why Mulching Is Important

Applying a layer of mulch to the base of the tree insulates the soil. It forms a protective blanket that helps retain the soil’s temperature and moisture levels during summertime and prevents it from freezing during cold periods.

Mulch also helps prevent evaporation, which allows the roots to drink up their fill of water. It even protects against weeds that might try to rob the tree of its nutrients and lawn equipment that might damage the trunk.

Mulch offers aesthetic benefits as well, contributing to a more refined landscape.

How to Mulch Effectively

Avoid bunching the mulch around the trunk; doing so results in too much moisture collecting around the trunk, which, in turn, can cause the bark to decay and break.

For effective tree care, start mulching at about three or four inches from the trunk, and spread it outward until it’s twice as wide as the topmost point of the tree. For example, if the crown is four feet wide, place the mulch at a distance of eight feet across in all directions around the tree.

Don’t apply too much, as that could starve the soil of oxygen. Instead, keep it at around three or four inches deep.

Keep an eye on the mulch throughout the year; it will eventually blow away, so refill spots as needed. As the tree grows taller, increase the amount of mulch to accommodate its growth.

 

Could your trees benefit from some professional attention? Let the team at Carlos Tree Service in Anchorage meet your tree care needs. Serving the community since 1993, the company is proudly certified by the Tree Care Industry Association and Tree Line USA. They offer a variety of services to improve the appearance and condition of your yard, including stump grinding and removal, tree pruning, and general maintenance. Visit the website for more information about how they can transform your landscape, or call (907) 522-6049 to request a free quote.