Applying Mulch to Your Trees and Shrubs

At Tree Tech, we understand that trees and shrubs are far more than just decorative elements—they are essential, living parts of our ecosystem that deserve exceptional care. To ensure your garden thrives, it’s crucial to provide the roots of your trees and shrubs with the nourishing mulch they need.

Caring for trees and shrubs can be challenging. Many of us have experienced the disappointment of seeing plants struggle with issues like drought, pests, or disease. Compacted, bare soil around trees can make it difficult for roots to breathe and absorb the nutrients they need. While frequent watering or chemical treatments may offer short-term solutions, they often fail to provide the lasting, sustainable care your plants require.

Our team of Massachusetts-based tree care experts understands the unique needs of local trees and shrubs. By combining our specialized knowledge with high-quality organic mulch, we create the ideal conditions for your plants to grow, thrive, and enhance the beauty of your landscape.

A 7 Step Guide to Mulching

Mulching might seem simple, but doing it correctly requires careful attention and proper technique. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure the best results:

1. Prepare the area: Clear away weeds, grass, and debris from around the base of your tree or shrub. This prevents competition for essential nutrients and gives your plants a strong foundation.
   
2. Inspect for upward-growing roots: Look at the root collar—the area where the trunk widens at the base. If you see roots growing upward, gently trim them. Make sure the root collar remains exposed and free from soil or mulch.
   
3. Choose the right mulch: Select a type of mulch that complements your landscape and suits the needs of your trees or shrubs. Popular choices include wood chips, shredded bark, and many unique options such as cocoa shells.
   
4. Apply the mulch: Spread a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base, forming a “mulch donut.” Keep the layer thinner near the trunk and slightly thicker toward the edges. For trees, extend the mulch to the drip line if possible; for shrubs, cover slightly beyond their outer layer.
   
5. Avoid contact with the trunk: Leave a small gap—about 2-3 inches—between the mulch and the base of the trunk. This prevents moisture buildup that can lead to bark rot, and allows for proper airflow.
   
6. Water thoroughly: After laying down the mulch, water the area generously to help it settle and provide immediate hydration to the roots.
   
7. Maintain regularly: Check the mulch periodically to ensure it remains at the appropriate depth and retains moisture. As it decomposes over time, replenish the mulch to continue protecting and nourishing your plants.

The Purpose of Mulching

Mulching provides more than just a refined appearance—it’s a key tool to ensure the health of your trees and shrubs. Here are some of the main benefits it provides:

1. Retains moisture: Mulch acts as a protective barrier, reducing water evaporation and helping soil stay moist. This is especially helpful during the summer, as it cuts back on the need for frequent watering, and might even improve your water bill.
2. Regulates soil temperature: By insulating the soil, mulch keeps your plants cooler in summer and warmer in winter, protecting sensitive roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.
3. Suppresses weeds: Mulch blocks sunlight, preventing weed seeds from sprouting and reducing competition for water and nutrients.
4. Enhances soil quality: Organic mulch gradually decomposes, adding valuable nutrients to the soil and improving its structure and fertility.
5. Prevents erosion: Mulch slows water runoff and absorbs the impact of rainfall, reducing soil erosion and maintaining your landscape’s integrity.
6. Protects roots: A layer of mulch shields surface roots from potential damage caused by lawn equipment or foot traffic.
7. Improves aesthetics: Mulch enhances the appearance of your garden, creating a clean, well-maintained look.
8. Reduces soil compaction: Mulch helps prevent soil from becoming compacted, improving water penetration and encouraging healthy root growth.

Is it Better to Use Wood Chips or Mulch?

Both choices are great, as they provide similar benefits: preserving soil moisture, regulating temperature, and minimizing weed growth.

Wood chips are made solely from shredded wood, while mulch consists of a blend of materials that may include bark, leaves, and even inorganic substances like rubber or stones. This mixing of substances allows mulch to offer additional advantages, such as better nutrient release and improved moisture retention, depending on the specific type chosen.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and gardening objectives. Mulch offers a variety of colors and textures, since there’s so many options available, but many homeowners do prefer the rustic look of wood chips. Whichever you decide, you’re making a worthwhile investment in the health and longevity of your trees and shrubs.

Does Mulching Lead to Termite Infestations?

While it’s true that termites are attracted to moist environments and wood, applying organic mulch properly does not increase the risk of an infestation. In fact, termites tend to prefer dead wood rather than fresh wood chips or bark mulch.

Don’t let termite concerns prevent you from entering the world of mulching! While inorganic options like rocks or rubber may be used, they don’t provide the same soil-enhancing benefits as organic mulch. The key is in correct application—ensuring the mulch is applied at the right depth and kept clear of the base of trees, shrubs, and structures, which helps reduce the risk of termite attraction.

This is why professional mulching services make all the difference! At Tree Tech, we customize our approach to fit the unique needs of your property, considering factors like soil type, drainage, and sun exposure. With our expertise, each tree and shrub receives the exact care it requires to thrive. If you’d like to learn more about our tree healthcare services, we’d be happy to share the details!

Foxborough’s Dependable Tree Mulching Experts

Here at Tree Tech, we have a deep understanding of the unique needs of our local Massachusetts’ trees and shrubs. We offer more than just mulch application—we provide customized care that enhances the health and beauty of our environment every day.

Since every property is different, we take the time to carefully assess yours. Whether it’s soil composition and drainage, or sun exposure and your plants’ specific needs, we examine every factor to adapt our approach and ensure optimal results. We use top-quality organic mulches that improve the soil and support a thriving landscape. Not to mention, we’re always here to offer advice, answer any questions, and help you maintain a lush, healthy yard throughout the year.

Give your trees and shrubs the expert, local care they deserve. Reach out to us today, and let us help you create a healthy and luxurious landscape for your property to enjoy!