San Francisco Bay Area San Carlos, CA based arborists want to talk about tree maintenance with homeowners.
What Is Mulch? Learning the Basics
Those that have trees on their property understand that if they want the trees to thrive on their property, they have to properly care for them. Mulch is one of the easiest ways to help a tree stay healthy! Most of the time, when people think of mulch, they think of different types of wood chips or something similar. However, mulch can be anything that is used to cover the surface of the soil surrounding the base of a tree or other plant. There are different types of mulch for different plants and even areas of the country and world.
When done properly, regular mulching can have numerous positive effects on a homeowner’s landscaping. Below is all the information homeowners need to know about mulching and maintaining the health of their trees and landscaping.
Are There Different Types of Mulch?
There are many different types of mulch and they all work better than not mulching at all. However, certain types work better on certain plants in particular areas than other types. So, it is important not only to know the different types of mulch on the market but also where it performs the best.
First, there are synthetic mulches:
- Plastic mulches (shrubs, trees and play areas)
- Gravel/Stone (decorate and good for plants that need a lot of drainage)
- Landscape Fabric (shrubs, trees and helpful for controlling weed growth)
This type doesn’t add any nutrients to the soil but can help in holding moisture and blocking out weeds. It isn’t organic. However.
Those that would like organic mulch should try:
- Natural mulch-leaf and needle debris (trees and shrubs)
- Shredded or Chipped Bark (trees, shrubs, and gardens)
- Grass Clippings (flowers and vegetables)
- Straw (vegetable gardens)
- Shredded Leaves (woodland gardens)
- Cardboard (great for moisture retention, weed prevention and sheet mulching)
Organic mulch provides nutrients to the landscaping but the dryer the mulch the fewer the nutrients. Homeowners also know that organic mulch is free of any possible chemicals that could kill their plants.
Is Mulch Really That Important?
Even if homeowners just allow their trees’ dead leaves to cover the base and provide a nice layer of natural mulch, this is better than removing mulch entirely. Mulching is important to whether or not the landscaping thrives in the yard or simply survives.
When homeowners mulch regularly, they will also start to notice things like:
- Holds onto water longer so the homeowner doesn’t have to water as much
- The nutrients from the mulch will lead to vibrant trees with thick, healthy branches
- It reduces weed growth
- Moderates the soil temperature
- Reduces erosion and soil compaction
Not only that, but the trees and other landscaping will grow bigger and live longer, happier lives. In turn, homeowners might notice that their trees don’t experience as many emergencies or pose a threat to the home.
Tips On How To Properly Mulch
Lastly, below are a few great tips to properly mulch landscaping:
- Apply mulch to a depth of 3-4 inches out to the edge of the drip-line.
- Do not apply mulch within 2 feet of the trunk of your tree.
- Smooth and level out the surface by hand or with a landscaping rake.
- For added weed control, put down a layer of synthetic mulch before topping it with organic mulch.
- With a shovel or gloved hands, place the mulch around all of the trees until you are satisfied.
Mulching is one of the easiest ways to properly maintain the life of a tree or other landscaping. It’s about time that homeowners knew it for themselves too.
Ned Patchett Tree Care & Consulting Care About Their Community
Ned Patchett Tree Care & Consulting specializes in tree care, arboricultural consulting, and landscaping services. All of their professionals are trained in the best arboriculture practices and ensure all trees thrive rather than just survive. It’s time to call today to start having healthier trees and landscaping!
