Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Removing an existing layer of mulch
• Part 2 of 3: Place a good layer of mulch
• Part 3 of 3: Maintaining the mulch layer
• Necessities
• Prepare the area
• Laying the mulch
• Maintaining the mulch layer

Mulching around a tree improves the appearance of a lawn, controls weeds and helps to conserve moisture in the soil. However, improper mulch placement can promote fungal growth, attract insects and remove oxygen from the roots of the tree. Fortunately, proper mulch placement is easy if you follow the correct steps.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Removing an existing layer of mulch

1. Shovel away old mulch, dirt, and stones. Shovel away all old mulch, dirt, and stones so you can see the trunk of the tree. When mulch builds up at the base of the tree year after year, a thick layer of mulch forms. This layer is harmful to the tree and deprives the necessary oxygen from the roots of the tree.
2. Trim up growing roots with pruning shears. Roots growing upwards can wrap around the base of a tree and kill it over time. When removing old mulch, if you see roots growing up and around the tree, cut them away. Roots growing upwards are a sign of a lack of oxygen in the roots.
3. Remove grass and other weeds with a spade or hoe. Turn the area around the tree to get rid of weeds and grass. If you shoveled away excess mulch, dirt, and stones, you should see the primary roots around the base of the tree.
   • Mulch will act as a natural weed killer.
   • Root cloth, also known as landscape cloth, deprives the roots of oxygen and compacts the soil under the cloth - avoid using it.

Part 2 of 3: Place a good layer of mulch

1. Buy medium texture mulch. Fine-textured mulch compacts quickly and can deprive your tree's roots of oxygen. Coarse mulch is too porous to hold enough water. A medium structure will retain water and will not deprive the roots of oxygen.
   • Organic mulch includes wood chips, bark, pine needles, leaves and compost mixes.
   • If you're not sure how much mulch you need, search the internet for one mulching calculator to help you calculate the correct amount. For example, check out https://schneidertree.com/mulch-calculator/.
2. Spread the mulch in a diameter of 1.20-1.50 cm around the tree. Put a thin layer of mulch around the tree. The mulch should not touch the tree itself. Leave about an inch of space between the base of the tree and the mulch.
   • You can put mulch up to 2.5 meters in diameter around the tree, more than that is not helpful.
3. Continue to put in mulch until it is 5-10 cm deep. Keep laying the mulch around the tree until the correct thickness is achieved. The mulch should not build up, but should be spread evenly around the tree.
4. Create a barrier for the mulch with rocks or extra mulch. You can build up extra mulch around the edges, this will keep the mulch from washing away when it rains. You can also put rocks along the edge of the mulch to create a barrier.

Part 3 of 3: Maintaining the mulch layer

1. Pull out or kill weeds growing from the mulch. Mulch is intended as a barrier to weeds and grass. So you need to pull out weeds and grass growing from the mulch to prevent future growth. You can also use a herbicide around the tree, a chemical weed control, to keep grass and weeds from growing in your mulch.
   • If you are using an herbicide, make sure it is safe for use near trees.
2. Rake the mulch from time to time to keep it from getting too compact. Compact mulch prevents oxygen from passing through, which prevents your roots from getting enough oxygen. If you notice that your mulch has become compact due to rain or foot traffic, make sure to loosen the mulch from time to time by raking it.
3. Refill the mulch once a year. Make sure to replenish the mulch around the tree once a year. This will prevent weed growth, provide essential nutrients and help with the tree's drainage.

Necessities

Prepare the area

• Scoop
• Pruning shears

Laying the mulch

• Medium texture mulch
• Scoop

Maintaining the mulch layer

• Weed killer (optional)
• Rake