It’s normal and expected to mulch around young trees, but you might also wonder, “Should I mulch around mature trees?” You can—and should—use mulch for mature tree health just as you would for young trees. It offers many benefits, like moisture control and weed suppression, that will keep mature trees healthy for years to come.
When you need the ultimate tree services in New Boston, TX, call Hawkins Tree and Landscaping. We can help you with all your tree and mulch needs.
Tree Mulching Benefits
The benefits of mulch are nearly endless when you use it correctly. It’s possible to overdo it or not use enough to provide benefits, which can result in problems. If you’re asking, “Should I mulch around mature trees?” consider these benefits.
Tree Root Protection
Even large trees have tender roots that need protection from excessive heat and lawn mower blades. A thick layer of mulch acts as a physical barrier from the sun and will remind you not to mow too close to the tree.
Moisture Control
Water is a key component of happy trees, young and old. Mulch can help with tree soil moisture retention by preventing water from evaporating too quickly, allowing it to stay in the ground longer. This is essential in dry spells when you can’t water as often as you’d like to.
Weed Control
Weed control around trees is important for older trees, too. Grass, young trees, and other plants can compete for water and nutrients. If you have a limited supply of either of those, unwanted plants will steal much-needed resources from the tree you want to keep healthy.
Improved Soil Health
Healthy soil is a key component of a happy, mature tree. Mulch helps aerate the soil to provide oxygen to the roots, preventing them from growing toward the surface. If you use wood mulch, it will eventually break down and add nutrients back into the soil, so you’re fertilizing your tree as you go when you use the right mulch.
Mulching Best Practices
In addition to asking, “Should I mulch around mature trees?” you should also ask, “What’s the best way to mulch around mature trees?” You have to use mulch correctly for it to have any lasting benefits; otherwise, you might risk hurting or even killing your tree.
Don’t Lay It on Too Thick
“Mulch volcanoes” are piles of mulch around the base of the tree. This causes several issues, such as:
- Too much water retention
- No airflow
- Easier disease spreading
Mulch should be about 5 inches away from the tree trunk and spread out in a circle no more than 4 inches thick. Cover the entire root area for the best results. Covering a small area around the trunk misses a lot of the young, thin roots that really need protection.
Refresh It Often
Refresh mulch at least once each year, especially if you opt for a natural option like straw, wood chips, or leaves. Natural mulch breaks down over time and adds nutrients to the soil, and other mulches like rubber or gravel get lost over time. If the mulch has thinned out below 2 inches, it’s time to top it off.
Call Hawkins Tree and Landscaping for All Your Tree Needs
Hawkins Tree and Landscaping can help with all your landscaping needs. If you’re still wondering, “Should I mulch around mature trees?” or have other questions, contact us at (870) 330-9912.
Our family-owned company strives to keep trees happy and healthy for as long as possible. Call us any time you have tree concerns or need trees trimmed or removed. We’re passionate about trees and will do what we can to keep your landscape beautiful.