Mulching Trees

When arborists check an infected tree, they go through a process to find the cause of the problem, but sometimes when they're in a rush or just lazy, they miss the root cause of the disease and focus on the symptom instead. Treating the symptom instead of the "root cause" of the problem won't help the tree at all, and in the long run, you would end up spending more. Some arborists even advise for more expensive treatment without thoroughly diagnosing the tree, leaving the original cause to fester and grow instead of just directly treating it.

In some cases, arborists should not be seen as a tree doctor, but a stress manager for the tree. And the most common advice they give when it comes to sick or infected trees is: "avoid treating the symptoms, inspect and find the root cause of the problem, and treat that early."

Usually before all of this happens, the most susceptible trees are the ones that get stressed by something negatively affecting it. At times this could be prevented, a possible cause for the stress could be people. Trees more exposed to stress factors are prone to stress while healthy trees that grow in a healthy environment stay robust. So what is the best way to avoid stress? Step one, know what the stressors are and avoid all of it as best as you can. Here is a list of a few stressors worth avoiding:

• Improper planting technique: When a tree is planted improperly may it be the wrong depth, wrong soil choice, wrong location, it could affect the tree for years to come.
• Soil that is compact: When the particles of dirt are too close together, it deprives the tree of oxygen/
• Over and Under Watering: It could lead to the death of the roots of the tree due to the lack of oxygen or essential nutrients.
• Root Systems: whether freezing or burning, root systems affect the soils water movement and again restricts the amount of oxygen the tree is receiving.
• Soil Grade: Depending on what the soil grade is, It could affect the growth of the tree's roots by its ability to gather nutrients as well as the soil's properties to hold water.
• Hot weather: Could result to slow plant growth as well as the loss of moisture.
• Work or Construction near the tree: while work is ongoing, they may hit a root and accidentally wound the tree.

Most of the factors in the list have one thing in common, and that is the soil. The soil is one of the crucial elements you have to consider when you want a healthy tree. So how do you keep the soil your tree grows on vigorous? The answer? A mulch ring. Now, what is a mulch ring? Is a given space around the tree that protects it from outside factors. In a study that compared seventeen fertilization methods, it suggests that a mulch ring is the best method to keep a tree healthy.
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Below is a short guide to mulching your trees properly:

• Put down around 2 inches of mulch
• Only use organically composted mulch first
• Make sure your mulch has enough space, far out the drip line
• Do not keep the mulch close to the trunk of the tree
• Do not build berms for new trees

​Call Birmingham Tree Service for any questions or concerns you may have about tree care.

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