Why Mulch Is Good For Your Trees
In a garden or yard, mulch can serve many purposes. If you have one or more trees, mulch can help protect your trees and help them to thrive. If you are unsure how to use mulch to benefit your trees, this article will help teach you all you need to know about mulch and your trees.
When used correctly, mulch benefits trees in a number of ways.
Mulch protects tree roots from impaction
If your trees are in an area of your property that receives a lot of foot traffic, soil compaction is a risk. When the soil around a tree becomes compacted, its root system suffers. For instance, in hot weather, when compacted soil dries out, tree roots struggle to grow through the impacted soil. This can impede a tree's ability to take in sufficient water and oxygen.
Adding a layer of mulch around a tree can prevent soil compaction.
Mulch protects roots from the hot sun
During hot summers, exposed tree roots may suffer sun scald. Sun scald weakens tree roots, leaving affected trees more prone to injury and sickness. A layer of mulch can provide tree roots with protection during hot summers.
Mulch helps create healthy soil temperatures
Tree roots thrive when the soil temperatures are right. You can ensure that the soil around your tree stays cool in summer and warm in winter by adding mulch to the soil around your tree.
Mulch prevents moisture evaporation
Trees take in moisture through their roots. But during hot summers or droughts, a lot of moisture may be lost to evaporation. With a layer of mulch around your tree, you help the soil better retain moisture, thus keeping your tree and its roots healthy.
Mulch stops weeds from growing
If there are weeds and grass growing around your tree, your tree will need to compete with those weeds and grass for moisture and nutrients. Mulch helps to block out the sunlight that weeds so crave. This prevents weeds from growing and stealing moisture and nutrients from your tree.
Mulch helps protect trees from lawn mower damage
Because mulch stops weeds and grass from growing around the base of your tree, you won't need to use a lawn mower in close proximity to your tree. This is beneficial since lawn mower blades can damage tree roots and tree trunks.
Mulch is very beneficial for trees of all ages. If you want to improve your trees' vitality and longevity, consider finding a mulch supplier who can supply you with good quality, natural mulch.
To learn more, contact a company like Smitty's Tree Service Inc.