How to Mulch Around a Tree

ISA Certified Arborist Lindsey from Russell Tree Experts sharing some tips and tricks on how to properly mulch around a tree. Mulching trees is both functional and decorative, adding longevity and good looks to your tree. The main benefits of mulching a tree is that it inhibits weeds, improves soil quality by feeding living organisms and adding nutrients, protects trees from lawnmower damage, insulates soil from extremely cold temperature, and retains moisture in extremely hot temperatures.
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[@karensmith8452]

Nice job. Thank you

[@darktoadone5068]

I just bought a house that has 12 huge pine trees on the property and the previous owner used tons of pine straw on it for years and they never changed the straw, they just piled on more straw. I dug down almost a foot and still found straw and it had all those roots you talked about due to oxygen. It took me a half a day just to get one tree base looking good, this is going to be a very labor intensive project for sure, only 11 more trees to go before I make a some tree circles and start mulching.

[@RussellTreeExperts]

Wish you luck on your project!

[@darktoadone5068]

@@RussellTreeExperts I couldn't get an air spade anywhere so I improvised and used my 4,000 psi pressure washer, cleaned the dirt out really good and I was shocked to find all the girdling roots so I had to slow down. I have a lot or root cutting to do before I can get it looking nice for mulch. I hate pines, it's a constant battle with the pine needles and pine cones and keeping the yard clean. I wish I could cut them all but it would cost $20k plus.

[@tannermesing339]

Hi! I am wanting to mulch around 2 trees in my yard and they each have a couple exposed roots around them that go 2-3 ft out from the trunk. Is it ok to mulch over the exposed roots?

[@RussellTreeExperts]

Hello! Without being able to inspect your specific tree in person, I would say it depends. If the roots aren’t girdling or wrapped around the trunk or other roots, then it may still be okay to mulch over them. Another factor to consider is the elevation and change in grade of the surface.

[@dyates12]

I have a big hole in the roots when I dug out the mulch volcano. How do I fix?

[@RussellTreeExperts]

Hey, send us an email with a photo of the issue to [e-mail] so we can take a look!

[@joannpark1260]

how do you feel about laying garden paper before mulching?

[@RussellTreeExperts]

I would say garden paper is fine, even newspaper, but I wouldn't use anything plastic or vinyl based.

[@sharpcitizens9936]

Yours looked like top soil not mulch. May I ask which brand mulch you used?

[@RussellTreeExperts]

Hi Neel P! We used organic wood chip mulch in this video, any brand of wood chip mulch should be great! Best of luck!

[@sharpcitizens9936]

@@RussellTreeExperts thank you.

[@hisoverlorduponhigh90]

Thank you. Sounds like Led Zeppelin in the background.

[@RussellTreeExperts]

You're welcome! It's music from the RUclips Audio Library!

[@popscyclep8084]

Be sure and have a new wheelbarrow when shooting a video

[@RussellTreeExperts]

A wheelbarrow helps a lot if moving a lot of mulch, but definitely not a necessity, especially if you're planning to mulch a smaller or younger tree!

[@popscyclep8084]

Russell Tree Experts
Agreed, I have two for multiple tasks. Was just being silly coz I could tell it looked new, lol 😂

[@oleboy4332]

I see so many of our friends from south of the border that are “landscapers” that cover trees and ruin them. Be careful who you hire.