When you have young trees on your property, experts recommend putting mulch around the base. However, many Houston homeowners find themselves wondering, “Should I mulch around mature trees?” The experts at Tree Care Inc., a reputable tree service in Houston, are here to answer that question.
Find out why trees of all ages can reap different mulch benefits and the proper method for applying mulch in this helpful guide.
Benefits of Applying Mulch Around Trees
Adding mulch around the base of a tree can provide ample benefits regardless of the plant’s age. While most homeowners think that mulch is most helpful for young, growing trees, it’s in your best interest to also add mulch to the base of a fully-grown tree. Below is a breakdown of some of the top reasons why arborists recommend mulching around trees of all ages.
Root Protection
Tree roots can settle just inches beneath the ground’s surface and therefore become vulnerable to the outdoor temperature. Since Houston can experience a large range in temperatures throughout the year, tree health can suffer depending on how well the roots handle the elements. Mulch can help with tree stress reduction by insulating the roots so the soil stays cooler during the summer and warm in the winter.
If the root system sits above the surface, blades from lawnmowers and other powerful yard equipment can nick the root and injure the tree. Laying down mulch prevents this common type of tree injury and helps the roots thrive.
Weed Suppression
Instead of wondering, “Should I mulch around mature trees?” ask yourself instead, “Why do weeds continue to grow near my tree?” You can significantly reduce the chance of weed growth around a mature tree by adding mulch around the base. The organic mixture creates a blanket over the soil and reduces the amount of sunlight that weed seedlings receive, therefore making them less prone to germinating.
Research shows that continually keeping mulch around older trees can reduce the appearance of weeds by up to 85%. Pull up all of the existing weeds near your tree before you place mulch and over time you’ll notice that many of them won’t return.
Moisture Retention
Healthy trees will always need water, regardless of their age. However, any water a tree receives tends to evaporate if there’s no mulch above the soil. The mixture aids water retention, which is especially helpful for those who live in dry climates or experiencing a drought.
Soil Nourishment
A key component of tree health comes down to the soil surrounding the tree. It needs the proper nutrients for the root system and help the tree thrive. Applying mulch around the tree nourishes the soil in the following ways:
- Aerating the soil to supply oxygen to the roots
- Preventing the roots from breaching the surface
- Breaking down and eventually acting as a fertilizer
Mature trees can decline in health quickly if the soil and roots become malnourished. Ask an expert, “Should I mulch around mature trees?” and they’ll tell you doing so has significant benefits for the tree, its roots, and the soil.
How To Choose Mulch for Your Trees
The trees on your property will continue to add beauty and environmental benefits when you add mulch around them. What is the best type of mulch to use for mature trees? Experts recommend using coarse wood chips that are relatively thick in size rather than finer materials that can compact down after application.
This variety of mulch provides all of the benefits listed above whereas other materials can have less of an impact. The soil might not be able to retain water or support the roots if you choose a delicate mulch for your trees.
Proper Mulching Techniques and Tips
If you’re wondering, “How should I mulch around mature trees?” keep reading for tips on how to apply mulch for the best results. These arborist-approved techniques will lead to healthy, vibrant trees on your property without any weeds growing around them.
Apply a Thin Layer
A common mistake homeowners make is thinking that adding more mulch will bring more benefits to the tree, but tree care professionals will tell you that less is more. Experts recommend putting down a layer of mulch that’s no more than four inches thick. You want to make sure you’re protecting the roots from physical damage without suffocating them.
Applying a thin layer ensures all roots near the surface receive enough oxygen. Putting too much mulch near the tree can also affect its health as the soil might retain too much water.
Spread the Mulch Out
Young trees have root systems intact directly below the trunk whereas mature trees see roots expand in every direction over time. Remember that your older tree has roots that reach far beyond the base and these areas need mulch. You should create a ring of mulch around the tree that stretches between four and six feet from the trunk.
Don’t Create a Mulch Volcano
You want to focus on tree trunk clearance while mulch rather than forming a large pile along the trunk that gradually tapers off. This improper technique creates the look of a volcano at the base of your tree. Not only does “volcano mulching” suffocate the roots but it can have detrimental effects on the trunk, including:
- Wood rot
- Increased risk of pests
- Excessive moisture
Aim to make a donut shape with your mulch instead by leaving a bit of space around the trunk and spreading the mixture around the tree in an even ring.
Contact Our Houston Arborists for More Tree Health Tips
Should I mulch around mature trees? Are trees with roots above ground safe? How can you help a tree reach its full growing potential?
Our experts at Tree Care Inc. can answer these questions and more. Reach out to our skilled team if the trees on your property aren’t in the best health and we’ll improve your property with services like pruning and tree removal. Call (615) 316-5166 to request a free estimate and learn more.
