by Carol Newill
Thinking about applying mulch at the base of your trees?
Mature trees do not need mulch, except to keep lawn mowers and weed wackers away from the trunk.
Younger trees will appreciate mulch, to keep the soil cooler and more moist, so they can grow!
Follow the Rule of Threes to avoid damage from over-mulching:
Keep mulch at least 3 inches away from the bark, so the bark does not rot or allow pathogens to attack the tree. Mulch should NEVER touch the bark.
Apply mulch no deeper than 1 to 3 inches, so the roots can get the oxygen they need.
Spread out mulch at least 3 feet from the trunk, to benefit much of the close root zone.
Your trees and our cool, green community will thank you!
For more information on mulching trees and shrubs, see University of Maryland Extension at https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mulching-trees-and-shrubs