Mulching a Tree or Larger Plant

Based in Salem, Iowa, Jake Kruse is an established dog breeder and the president of K & E Landscapes, Inc. Jake Kruse has an extensive knowledge of mulching and maintenance strategies that help ensure the health of trees and plants throughout the year.

When it comes to mulching, organic materials such as bark, leaves, and wood chips tend to work the best in helping recycle and replenish nutrients in the soil. In addition to preventing evaporation-related moisture loss, mulch insulates the soil and provide the roots with protection from extremes in seasonal temperatures. Inhibiting plant disease in aerated, well-drained soil, mulch also provides a barrier to the growth of weeds. Because mulch breaks down over time, it does need to be replenished on an annual basis.

When it comes to larger trees and shrubs, a key is identifying the dripline, which should encircle the trunk at a point that matches the branch circumference. This is where rain will drip from the tree and the ideal placement for a 2- to 4-inch deep mulch ring. The appearance of the mulch should be like a donut around the trunk, rather than a volcano. Depending on conditions, the volcano shape can retain too much moisture in the root zone, which can cause rot, or it can keep water from penetrating the soil and nourishing the root system.