How to Mulch Around Trees and Shrubs

18 Apr 2019 Landscape Supplies

Knowing how to mulch around trees and shrubs can help encourage healthy plant growth in your garden. The mulching experts from Just Mulch understand how important mulching around trees and shrubs is. That is why they offer a range of different mulching products.

Applying Mulch Around Trees and Shrubs

When spreading mulch around trees and shrubs, make sure to cover the entire bed with about 3-4 inches deep of mulch. Once the mulch has been placed in the bed, pull the mulch away from the base of the tree’s or shrub’s trunk, creating a donut-hole. It is important to not pile up the mulch against the truck, as excessive mulching around the trunk can cause moisture to build up. Extra moisture on a trunk can create the ideal conditions for insects, pests, diseases, and decay.

Since larger mulched areas tend to be more beneficial, try to extend the mulched area around a tree or shrub to the drip line of the branches or at least in a 4-5-foot diameter around the trunk.

Benefits of Mulch for Trees and Shrubs

Some of the main benefits of mulching around trees and shrubs include:

Provides Insulation

Since mulched soil tends to be much warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than bare soil, mulching can help protect roots from extreme temperatures. This means that tree and shrub roots will be less likely to freeze and thaw in the soil over the winter, which can heave and injure the plants.

Conserves Soil Moisture

Adding a layer of mulch to the soil around shrubs and trees can help reduce moisture loss in the summer by preventing sunlight from reaching and heating the soil. Mulch also works to insulate the soil from being evaporated by the wind.

Reduces Root Competition

In a lot of areas, the fine roots of trees and shrubs tend to sit in the uppermost 12-18 inches of soil. Adding mulch to the soil in your garden can eliminate competition with other plants for water and nutrients, giving you healthier plant growth.

Prevents Soil Erosion and Water Runoff

Bare soil that is impacted by rain or sprinkler water can often disperse and break apart. Mulching around trees and shrubs will help prevent water runoff by creating a sponge-like surface that absorbs water and slows it down.

If you would like to learn more about how to mulch around trees and shrubs, or if you are interested in mulch products, please contact Just Mulch at 236-98-MULCH or by filling out a contact form on their website.