Mulching is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your landscaping efforts, particularly around newly planted trees. Mulch insulates the ground to protect the roots from temperature extremes and retains water so that the roots can drink their fill. Mulching also inhibits weed growth and reduces damage from lawn mowers. 

Heritage Lawn & Landscape, which employs the best residential and commercial lawn care specialists in Saint Charles, MO, wants to help you keep your landscape looking its finest with the following tips for effective mulching:

• Remove Grass: Using a flathead spade, remove the grass from a circular area around your tree within a radius of 18 inches to 5 feet, depending on the diameter of the trunk. For saplings, use the smaller radius. For 100-year-old oaks and walnut trees, use the larger.
• Use Natural Mulch: Choose a natural mulch product, such as wood chips or bark pieces, which will decompose into black soil that smells faintly sweet. Pine straw and old hay work well, too, although pine straw can turn the soil acidic over time. Mulching with old hay is very inexpensive, but the hay may contain grass seed that you must remove.
• Pour Mulch To Proper Depth: Pour mulch evenly to a maximum depth of 2 to 4 inches within the circular area. Compact it only enough to prevent the wind from blowing it away. Make sure the mulch does not touch the trunk of the tree; mulch retains dampness, and dampness can cause rotting.

Heritage Lawn & Landscape, the most experienced and trusted residential and commercial lawn care company in Saint Charles, MO, can manicure your lawn, create a gorgeous landscape design, and tailor your outdoor space to satisfy your every need. Whether you need basic lawn care services—like aeration, seeding, and mulching—or a whole new botanical array of flowering plants, fruit trees, and shrubberies, they can provide what you want. For information about their landscaping services, visit them online or call (314) 420-6447 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable representative.