Kristina Hicks-Hamblin lives on a dryland permaculture homestead in the high desert of Utah.

Make sure the soil around the tree is thoroughly moist (but not sodden) before applying the mulch. Late winter is the ideal time to mulch; Spread the mulch cm (in) deep around the base of the tree to cover the rootball area; Keep a mulch-free circle around the base of the tree trunk (about cm or in) to prevent the bark decaying.

Jan 15, To do this, spread a ring of mulch, such as woodchip, bark, or straw about 4 feet around the tree – just remember to leave a few inches of bare ground around the base of the tree to protect the trunk from rot and rodent damage. As the tree grows, spread the mulch to cover the ground all the way to the tree’s drip line. Jul 03, Leaf mulch is ideal for use in garden beds and around trees and shrubs, while grass clippings may be spread in thin layers across vegetable and.

May 18, Some mulch types, such as cypress, cedar, or pinewood chips do an excellent job of repelling ticks, gnats, and fleas. Choosing the Best Mulch. The best mulch for your garden depends on a number of things, including personal preference and budget. If you are interested in improving your soil fertility, choose organic mulch that suits your needs.

Aug 01, Mulch is material that is spread on top of soil, usually around bedding shrubs or trees. It’s placed there for several reasons, including: insulation, particularly at times when soil is vulnerable to cold snaps and frost; preventing weed growth; improving drainage; improving the aesthetic of an area.