Ask An Arborist Tree Planting and Care

Ask an Arborist: Why do we Mulch?

By Emily Allgood | September 30, 2016

Mulch is king when it comes to tree planting and care. It is one of the most important, yet most forgotten steps of tree planting. There are three main reasons why we mulch a tree after planting:

  1. Mulch adds a layer of protection to the tree from weeds, grass, and equipment.
  2. Mulch helps retain the moisture in the soil after watering.
  3. Mulch is an organic layer that breaks down and provides a slow release of nitrogen to the newly planted tree.

Arborist Advice: Mulching 101

There are many types of mulch to choose from, but the most common mulch is wood chips. Before mulching your tree, be sure to remove grass and weeds around the tree that fall under the drip line. Then add a two to four-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, avoiding the trunk. Do not pile mulch against the trunk of a tree. This method of volcano mulching can suffocate the tree.

Once your mulch is spread out evenly, water your tree.  Watch the video below for more mulching tips.

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  • Cindi Herin April 4, 2018 at 11:41 pm

    I am wondering about planting new trees…you say don’t add amendment potting soil or fertilizer. We have hard pan clay soil and I mean like a rock…I’ve always cultivated amendments or plant soil before planting. Please advise because I have about 30 trees and plants coming from your site very soon.

    Thank you

  • Caden Dahl November 5, 2018 at 7:57 pm

    Since I’ll be doing some new tree planting over the next few weeks, it would be a good idea to get a layer of mulch down. Now as you said, it helps the new trees a lot by retaining the moisture and protecting the trees. Now I do know that I would for sure have to see about getting a professional to come and do that for me as I don’t have the proper tools to do it myself.

  • Donald J Macauley August 10, 2019 at 6:16 am

    I learned a lot . great video . Thank you from Florida