Putting mulch around a tree makes your garden more beautiful, limits weed growth, and helps keep the soil moist. However, if applied incorrectly, it can stimulate fungal growth, attract insects and suffocate the roots. Fortunately, it's easy to mulch properly if you follow the right steps.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Remove a Pre-Existing "Mulch Volcano"
Step 1. Shovel off all dirt, dirt and old mulch
Remove the mulch, debris and rocks with a shovel so that you can see the tree trunk. A "mulch volcano" occurs when material builds up year after year at the base of the tree. Mulch stacked in this way is harmful and prevents the roots from getting the oxygen they need.
Step 2. Cut the roots that grow upwards with the shears
These roots can envelop the base of the tree and even kill it over time. When removing old mulch, if you notice some roots growing upward around the tree, cut them back. Growths like this indicate that the tree is not getting enough oxygen.
Step 3. Remove grass and other weeds with a garden spade or claw
Scratch the area around the base of the tree to get rid of all the grass. Once the mulch, dirt and rocks are removed, you should see the main roots developing around the base.
- Mulch acts as a natural protection against weeds.
- Roll-up barriers against weeds, also called mulch sheets, limit the oxygenation of the tree and compact the soil below; you should avoid using them.
Part 2 of 3: Apply Mulch Properly
Step 1. Purchase medium consistency mulch
Fine-textured materials become too compact and can suffocate the roots. Coarse-grained mulch is too porous and won't hold water. The medium consistency one holds water and does not block the passage of air.
- Organic mulch materials include wood chips, bark, pine needles, leaves, and compost mix.
- If you're not sure how much material you need, type "mulch calculator" into a search engine to find online tools to help you calculate the amount you need. For example, you can use this.
Step 2. Spread the mulch in a 1-1.5 meter diameter around the tree
Apply a thin layer around the base, without touching the trunk itself. Leave 5-10 cm of space between the base of the tree and the material.
Beyond 2.5 meters in diameter the mulch loses its usefulness
Step 3. Continue to mulch until it is about 10-20 cm thick
Layer the material until it reaches the required thickness. Make sure you don't create mounds of mulch by leveling it around the tree.
Step 4. Create a barrier around the mulch with stones or other mulch
You can stack the material in a higher layer on the edges of the mulch to create a barrier that prevents the mulch from draining in case of rain. You can achieve the same result with stones.
Part 3 of 3: Maintain the Mulch
Step 1. Weed or remove weeds that grow through the mulch
This material acts as a barrier for grass and weeds. You should weed out any plants that grow through it all year round to prevent infestations. You can also use a herbicide, a chemical that kills weeds, around the tree to prevent growth in the mulch.
If you use a herbicide, make sure it's not dangerous to trees
Step 2. Rake the mulch from time to time to keep it from becoming too compact
If the mulch is compacted, it blocks the passage of oxygen and can suffocate the roots. If you notice that the material has compacted due to rain or the passage of people, be sure to occasionally stir it up with a rake.
Step 3. Re-mulch once a year
Remember to do this every year. This will prevent weeds from growing, provide the tree with the nutrients it needs, and help drain the soil.
