Mulch Madness

trunk. This is all very unfortunate news for the mulch volcano, but luckily properly mulching a tree is rather simple. Good mulching benefits trees by helping to control weeds, provide nutrients to the soil for the tree to use, and improve the soil biology. There are a few key features of proper mulch.

Mulch should not touch the tree trunk and should allow enough space to see the root flare (more like a donut than a volcano). A mulch layer does not need to be thick - a nice, light coating will do as excessive buildup can alter the tree’s oxygen supply. Ideally any mulching would extend to the drip line of the tree, which is the outermost part of the tree canopy where water would be dripping down. This is certainly not always possible or practical, especially with a very large, mature tree - some of us in Mariemont wouldn’t have any yard left if we did so! cont'd on next page

A good solution is to give the tree enough mulch width so that lawn equipment doesn’t have a chance of running into the trunk or important ground level roots. Another way to help protect trees from lawn equipment is square mulching - arranging the mulch in a square so larger landscape lawnmowers aren’t trying to drive around in a tight circle, often hitting an innocent trunk.

Mulch (from previous page)

When we know better, we do better. Tree Board will be monitoring mulch around Village trees, making sure we give them the best care for a long and healthy life, starting with mulch. If you would like to join our efforts in any capacity, all you need is a willing attitude and a couple hours of free time – no experience is needed to start. Email MariemontTrees@gmail. com to join our volunteer team or become involved with board activities. If you are interested in donating to Mariemont’s street tree fund, please visit MPF at https:// mariemontpreservation.org/make-adonation/ under the “Tree Planting Project” section.

Image credit: https://treesforever. org/2022/06/07/continued-care-for-tree-health/

Info credit: https://www.treesaregood.org/ Portals/0/TreesAreGood_Proper%20Mulch%20 Tech_0321.pdf https://treesforever.org/2022/06/07/ continued-care-for-tree-health/