Simple Steps To Aid Stressed Trees -- (Day 2 of a 5 day series) Mulch - Mulch helps conserve soil moisture and reduces competition for water from weeds. It adds organic matter to the soil, promoting root development and improving the soil’s moisture-holding capacity. Mulched natural areas eliminate competition for water and nutrients from turf or other ground covers. Any organic mulch (wood chips, shredded bark, bark nuggets, pine straw or leaves) are good for mulching. Wood chips from tree pruning operations are particularly effective and inexpensive as mulch. Mulch should be applied to a depth of 2-4 inches around landscape plants. Do not exceed this depth around trees, as this could be detrimental. Mulch should be applied to the “dripline” of the plant whenever possible. However, a narrow mulch ring around plants is better than none. Do not apply mulches against the stem and root collar of plantings. Stay tuned for tomorrows addition -- day 3 of 5.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Aug 2013 13:30:00 +0000