Mulching

Mulch helps to keep weeds and grass from growing around the tree, retains moisture, and keeps lawn mowers and weed whackers from the tree. Surround your tree with a thick “donut” of mulch. The mulch should not touch the tree, as it can rot the bark and kill the tree. Use at least 10 cm of mulch. Mulch keeps moisture in and discourages weeds. Add new mulch each season as needed.

Why it’s important to Mulch

Mulch helps reduce competition to keep weeds and grass from growing around the tree. This helps to retain moisture in the soil and helps water reach the tree roots. Additionally, mulch keeps lawn mowers and weed whackers from the tree.

How to Mulch

  1. Keep your trees mulched with about 4 inches deep of mulch and at least a half-metre around your tree.
  2. The best way to mulch a newly planted tree is to create a donut shape with the mulch, keeping the mulch from touching the base of the tree.
  3. You can also use a plastic tree collar to protect the tree from weed whackers and rodents. Just be sure to remove it when the tree is larger, so it doesn’t damage the bark.

How much Mulch to add

Surround your tree with a thick “donut” of mulch. The mulch should not touch the tree, as it can rot the bark and kill the tree. Use at least 10 cm of mulch. Mulch keeps moisture in and discourages weeds. Add new mulch each season as needed.