Mulch is primarily organic material that is spread over the surface of the soil around trees to improve the soil conditions. Mulching trees does not just enhance the beauty of your landscape but it also holds numerous advantages. Mulch provides a protective layering which prevents trees from harm caused by pests and keeps the soil near the tree moisturized and insulated against extreme weather conditions while controlling the growth of weeds. Mulching trees also reduces the damages to the trees caused by lawn mowers.

Regardless of the fact that mulching is beneficial, it is essential to keep in mind that excessive mulching can harm the trees. Improper mulching can kill trees by:

Follow these guidelines to properly mulch the trees:

7. Apply at least 2 inches to 4 inches of mulch layering if the site is well drained. However if the natural soil drainage is poor, then apply a thinner layer. The organic matter of the soils in the urban environments is less; therefore, applying mulch in these amounts is a good way to imitate the natural environment for healthy growth of trees.
8. Spread the organic mulch evenly across the circular region.
9. Don’t allow the mulch to get into contact with the tree trunk.
10. Never create “mulch volcanoes”, that is, excessive mulch piles around the base of the trunks or stems or else it would cause the problems mentioned above. Instead mulch the trees by creating a donut shaped hole. In an ideal condition, the mulch would cover similar diameter on the ground as the crown of a tree.
11. Give water to the soil of the mulched tree if it appears dry.
12. Pull out weeds from the mulched trees all through the season.
13. Always make use of natural organic mulch rather than artificial mulch which has a tendency to harm the roots as neither water nor oxygen can seep through it easily.

A tree that is sick will display visible signs of decay and rot. Once you see crumbling wood, mushroom and fungi growth, it is obvious that the tree is rotting internally.

Improper mulching may also cause the tree to die. This happens because of applying too much mulch around the tree and covering up the places which are supposed to get exposed to air in normal conditions. If you over mulch around the bark, you block air flow, thus providing an environment of too much moisture which can rot the tree. If you see the tree growing adventitious roots, it means that the mulch is not proper. If these are overlooked, then they can girdle the tree.

Insects can be deadly to trees. Watch out for sawdust, around the tree base as it is an indication that the tree is infested by carpenter ants. Keep ants and termites away from the trees on your property.

If the leaves and flowers discolor, it means that the tree is diseased. If young leaves on the shoots become yellow at the upper end, and then become white at the veins, it could indicate iron deficiency. If the older leaves turn light green and then yellow, it means that the plant is deficient of nitrogen. Defoliation, spots and discoloration of leaves of deciduous trees could also suggest that the trees are diseased with anthracnose.

If the trees display early signs of seasonal changes, you should be on high alert as this is abnormal behavior. It means that the tree is sick and needs immediate attention of an arborist.

Custom Tree Surgeons is a Certified Arborist in Jacksonville FL that specializes in tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding and emergency tree service. If you are in need of regular tree service or a professional opinion about a tree on your property that you feel could be diseased or dying, call us today for a free consultation (904) 292-9226.