Adding mulch to the base of your trees, especially when they are first planted, is important to their healthy growth. If you don't mulch correctly, though, you can do more harm than good. Here are some important aspects you should know about mulching around the trees in your yard. 

What Is Mulch? 

You might think that mulch is purely decorative, but it’s actually important to maintaining the health of the tree. Mulch is an organic material, most commonly made from the shredded bark of hardwood trees. Other materials used for mulching include shredded leaves, grass clippings, or straw, but they aren’t typically used for mulching around trees. 

How Does It Benefit Your Trees?

For starters, mulch provides a layer of protection for the roots, preventing weeds from taking hold and helping to maintain a consistent temperature. Mulch also helps retain moisture, ensuring your tree’s roots get plenty of water.

Since trees are vulnerable to damage from lawnmowers, weed whackers, and other lawn equipment, a protective layer of mulch creates a “buffer zone” to keep the trunk safe from damage. Finally, mulch helps prevent the topsoil around the tree from becoming too compacted, which can prevent water from reaching the roots and keep them from growing strong.

How Should You Apply It Properly?

Avoid making the common mistake of piling the mulch too high around the tree trunk, creating what’s known as a “mulch volcano.” This leads to excessive moisture and will potentially cause the roots to rot, killing the tree. Ideally, mulch should be layered no more than 2-3 inches deep around the base of the tree, with a shallower layer closest to, but not touching, the trunk. The ensures good airflow and proper moisture for a healthy tree. 

If you aren’t sure how to mulch your trees and landscape, River Bottom Topsoil can help. The team has more than 25 years of experience providing mulch delivery, topsoil, landscape rock and more to homeowners in Troy, Moscow Mills, Lincoln County, Warren County, Pike County, and St. Charles County, MO. For help choosing and applying the right mulch for your landscape, call them at (632) 462-5331 or visit them online to schedule a consultation today.