Placing mulch (such as straw, sawdust, husk, or leaves) around the trees will make the yard look more attractive, control weeds, and help keep the soil moist. However, if you spread mulch the wrong way, you can actually stimulate mold growth, attract insects, and starve the tree roots of oxygen. Luckily, spreading mulch properly is easy as long as you follow the right steps.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning Up Existing Mulch Mountains
Step 1. Scoop up old mulch, dirt, and rocks
Remove all old mulch, debris, and rocks so you can see the base of the tree. Mulch mountains form when mulch accumulates over the years at the base of the stem. Mulch that accumulates at the base of the tree will interfere and make the roots run out of oxygen.
Step 2. Cut the roots that grow out of the soil surface with cutting shears
Roots sticking up can bind the tree trunk and kill it over time. If while cleaning the mulch you notice roots growing up and around the tree, cut them off. Roots sticking out of the ground are a sign that the tree is deprived of oxygen.
Step 3. Remove grass and weeds with a shovel or claw mitt
Scrape the area around the base of the tree to remove weeds or grass. Once the remaining mulch, dirt, and rocks have been removed, you should see the main roots spreading around the base of the tree.
- The mulch will act as a natural weed barrier.
- Weed barrier fabrics-also called “landscape fabrics”-will deplete the tree of oxygen and compact the soil beneath. Don't use it!
Part 2 of 3: Spreading Mulch Properly
Step 1. Purchase a medium textured mulch
Fine-textured mulch will compact and can deplete tree roots of oxygen. Coarse mulch is too porous to retain water adequately. On the other hand, medium textured mulch is able to retain water while not depriving the roots of oxygen.
- Organic mulch includes wood chips, bark, pine leaves, leaves, and a compost mix.
- If you're not sure how much mulch you need, just type "mulch calculator" into a search engine to find online tools that can help you calculate the amount. For example, go to
Step 2. Spread mulch 1.2–1.5 m in diameter around the tree
Spread a thin layer of mulch around the tree. Mulch should not come into contact with tree trunks. Leave about 2.5–5 cm between the base of the stem and the mulch.
You can put mulch up to 2.5 m in diameter, otherwise the mulch won't do any good
Step 3. Continue to spread the mulch until it is 5-10 cm thick
Lay the mulch around the tree until it is thick enough. Mulch should not be piled up in mounds and should be spread evenly around the tree.
Step 4. Create a barrier bed with additional rock or mulch
You can stack any leftover mulch around the edges to create a barrier that will prevent the mulch from drifting off when it rains. You can also stack stones to serve as barriers around the pile of mulch.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Mulch
Step 1. Remove or remove weeds growing from the mulch
Mulch should act as a weed and grass barrier. So every time, remove any weeds or grass growing from the top of the mulch layer to prevent more growth. You can also use herbicides-that is, chemical weed killers-around the tree to prevent weeds and weeds from growing in the mulch.
If you use herbicides, make sure they are safe to use around trees
Step 2. Rake the mulch occasionally so it doesn't solidify
The compacted mulch will prevent air from passing and this can deprive the tree roots of oxygen. If the mulch has solidified due to rain or people walking on it, loosen it occasionally by harrowing it.
Step 3. Change the mulch once a year
Change the mulch around the tree once a year. This replacement will prevent weed growth, provide essential nutrients, and aid tree drainage.
