Mulching is Required for Tree Health
Tree mulching plays an essential part in tree health. Mulching keeps trees strong and healthy by providing a source of nutrients to the tree, retaining ground water and moisture, and protecting the tree’s root system.
Barren earth, when exposed to the air and sun, dries out relatively quickly. In a natural setting, the ground is often covered with thick, nutrient-dense foliage. This conglomeration of leaves, twigs, natural manure, and other organic materials act as a water retaining barrier. They become damp, keeping the soil beneath it damp as well. The top layer of the foliage, often consisting of more recently fallen leaves, is a bit drier and hasn’t composted yet, protects the lower levels from drying out themselves.
That same concept can be used when implementing mulch around your tree. Keep it aerated and light, but evenly distributed to retain ground moisture and protect the tree. The second function of mulch is, like fertilizer and compost, to provide minerals and nutrient-dense particles to the tree. These nutrients get absorbed into the ground and fed into the tree through its root system. This allows the tree to stay strong and healthy. Water is not the only thing required by plants; much like animals, they require food in the form of chemical compounds and nutrients. Using mulch is the most beneficial way to accomplish that.
