Many professional tree care specialists will tell you that the importance of mulching cannot be overstated.  Mulching involves placing inorganic and organic materials around your plants and trees.  However, it also enhances the appearance of your front and back yards when you have mulched your trees.  For the newly planted tree on your property, mulch can be its best friend.

 

The Value of Mulching

 

Furthermore, in addition to being essential to a tree’s health and well-being, mulching is a valuable endeavor because of the many advantages involved.  Consider the following advantages of mulching trees:

 

It enhances the fertility and quality of the soil.
It gives the tree protection from lawnmower and weed eater damage.
It helps to improve aeration, drainage, and structure of the soil over time.
It impedes the growth of weeds by inhibiting germination.
It inhibits and prevents certain diseases.
It insulates the soil and provides a buffer from the elements.  In other words, it helps to keep the soil cooler during hot weather and warmer during cold weather.
It limits the amount of salt that accumulates in the soil.
It provides a uniform look when you have mulched around trees and in your garden as well as a well-maintained appearance overall.
It reduces evaporation and helps to maintain soil moisture by retaining water.
While Mother Nature typically tends to the trees in the forest, we have to do our share of ensuring the health and well-being of our trees (and plants).  If we maintain our trees, they in turn will be beneficial for us and our environment.

 

Types of Mulch Materials

 

Mulching is an essential part of tree care services in Palo Alto.  However, this is something that you can easily do without professional help.  Mulches are categorized as inorganic or organic.  The key difference is that inorganic mulches do not decompose the way in which organic mulches do.  Plus, decomposed organic matter improves soil by making it more fertile over time.  Examples of inorganic and organic mulches include:

 

·         Inorganic – examples include geo-textile fabrics, lava rock, stones, and so on

 

·         Organic – examples include compost mixes, hardwood and softwood bark, leaves, pine needles, plant by-products, and wood chips.

 

When adding mulch around trees, the recommended depth is 3 to 4 inches maximum.  You will have to replenish or top off organic mulches because of how they break down and decompose.  Just remember that decomposition will vary from one type of organic material to the next.  You may have to remove grass that is around the trunk of the tree as the mulch needs to be laid a minimum of three feet out from the base without any touching it.  Keep in mind that over-mulching your trees can be just as unhealthy as not mulching them at all. Thus, it is best to hire the services of an expert so that you are aware of getting it all done correctly.