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Mulching with organic mulches (e.g. leaves, needles, hardwood and softwood bark and wood, grass, cocoa hulls, straw, etc.) helps to maintain tree health by aiding in water retention, inhibiting weed development, protecting from lawn mowing equipment, offering a layer of insulation during cold weather and adding organic matter into the soil (Carlson, 2003). At planting or transplanting time add a mulch layer 2-4" deep around the tree as wide as you can tolerate but, to avoid stem damage, not against the trunk. Mature trees can be mulched at any time.
Over time this mulch will break down and decompose; therefore it is important to make the necessary additions each year. Before making any additions, lightly and thoroughly rake existing mulch to break up compacted or crusted layers (Carlson, 2003b). Mulching may act as an alternative to fertilization if coarse wood chips or leaves are used (Hagen, 2003).
For more information : Mulch: Your Tree's Best Friend (.pdf) and Using Mulches in Managed Landscapes (.pdf)
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