Spring’s mild weather and fresh conditions make it the perfect time of the year to consider tree mulching, as it keeps the moisture in the soil to help it to survive the dry months ahead.
What is tree mulching?
Mulching is the act of covering the topsoil around trees or plants with garden waste, such as leaves, straw, grass, twigs and unused crops.
This helps to protect the roots from harsh weather conditions and traps the moisture in the soil to enable the plants to grow and thrive.
It also reduces competition with other crops, including weeds and grass, as it prevents them from reaching the air and nutrients they need to survive. Therefore, having fewer plants to contend with helps the roots to access all the water, air and food they need.
Additionally, once the unwanted plants or weeds have died, the organic material helps to provide the nutrients from the dead
When is the best time to mulch?
Mulches are particularly valuable during the summer months when the soil becomes dryer due to the hot weather, as it helps it retain more moisture.
Therefore, it reduces the need for the soil to be watered as often, as it is less likely to dry out in the heat.
It can also warm up the soil during spring when it may still be cold after the winter months.
However, it is also still during winter, as it encourages the rain to be soaked up in the soil. It also protects the roots of the plants during the cold weather, when harsh conditions can make it difficult for them to survive.
Therefore, late autumn and early spring represent the best time for mulching, as the soil is typically damp and already contains some moisture, but it is not frozen.
What’s more, weeds typically have not germinated yet by the beginning of spring, so it is easier to keep them at bay with the tree mulch.
Autumn is also a good time as this is when the weeds, and other plants, are starting to die.
How to get tree mulch
Biodegradable mulch is favourable, as it improves the condition of the soil as well as keeping unwanted plants at bay.
This is typically made out of processed bark, leaf mould, garden compost, wood chippings, and even rotten manure.
How to apply mulch
Mulch only works if it is applied correctly, so it is important for it to be at least 5cm in diameter and 7.5cm thick.
Weeds firstly need to be removed and a mulch sheet can be put down for optimum results. If mulching trees, it is sensible to spread the mulch to the radius of the leaf canopy.
Mulch should also be pulled away from the trunk instead of being sat in a heap around the roots. This ‘volcano mulching’ can result in rotting of the bark, fungal growth, and improper root formation.
Leaving a few inches around the tree’s trunk instead means the mulch will not cause rotting of the trunk, decay and growth of fungus. This improves the health of the tree, and means it is more likely to last longer.
