We read again and again that it is extremely beneficial to add mulch to vegetable plants and flower beds. And that's actually it. But do you also have the impression that trees are somehow never mentioned? What's up with them? Should you also mulch trees or is it unnecessary?
The mulch layer keeps the soil warm in winter and cools it in summer. Nutrients are gradually released to the plants and the formation of weeds is inhibited. So why should this be withheld from ornamental and fruit trees?
Why should you mulch trees?
What is the advantage of mulching the tree disc, i.e. the area around the trunk? Well, on the one hand, of course, everything we have already mentioned above:
- Organic material is used that slowly decomposes and supplies the tree with nutrients
- Drying out of the soil is slowed down as the mulch layer acts as insulation. Moisture is stored underneath and you have to water less and less often. So you also save water.
- In winter, the soil stays warmer and frost damage to the roots is prevented by the mulch. Young or newly planted trees in particular are still quite sensitive in this regard.
- When the material decomposes, heat is also produced and released - perfect for winter.
- Weed growth is prevented because no light reaches the roots and seeds.
- Layers of mulch are great hiding places for insects and other small creatures.
- Decomposition improves the soil structure as it feeds the microorganisms.
Young trees in particular benefit from this care measure. Garden owners usually like to use plants and flowersto underplant trees. They also benefit from this. However, this is not recommended for young trees in the first 5 years, which is why a layer of mulch is a good alternative.
Which material is suitable?
Use organic material. And the selection is just as large as for other garden plants. What can you mulch trees with?
- Bark mulch
- Stroh
- Grasschnitt
- Laub
- chopped wood
- Softwood chips
- Brick chippings for moisture retention
- Nettle leaves also protect against fungal infections
- Coconut mats that you cut to size or buy in a round shape
Your choice basically depends only on what you imagine. Bark mulch is often preferred because it looks better than straw or grass clippings, for example.
To avoid rot, also note:
- Some materials, such as leaves, decompose relatively slowly (because they are very close together and hardly any oxygen can reach them) and are therefore better combined with others. The mix of straw, grass and leaves, for example, is very suitable.
- If you use pure grass, do not apply too thick a layer. You should also replace it periodically.
- Straw is high in carbon but low in nitrogen, so you should balance this out. This works, for example, with a nitrogen fertilizer that you incorporate.
Less suitable:
- Compost as it most likely contains seeds. So if you want to suppress weed growth, it's better to use other material.
How to mulch with lawn clippingsfind out here.
Exception case: fruit trees
Many gardening experts advise against mulching fruit trees around the time of flowering. The reason for this is that the areas above the mulch layer warm up more slowly. This in turn has a negative effect on the fresh flowers because they could freeze more quickly. Therefore, it is worth removing the winter layer in March. This allows the ground to warm up more quickly due to the spring sun.
And when can you apply a new one? It's best not until May when the flowering phase is over.
How to mulch the tree disc correctly: instructions for the whole year
- What to do in spring
In February or March, remove the layer of mulch if there was one during the winter. Then prepare the floor. To do this, remove weeds and carefully loosen the top layer of soil. Do this carefully as most trees are shallow-rooted and you could injure them if you loosen too deeply.
- In late spring/summer
Once the flowering period is over, it is time to spread a new layer of mulch. This is usually in May or June at the latest. As the summer progresses, this layer is replaced every now and then to prevent rot and the resulting diseases.
- Everything has to go in the fall
In the fall, voles seek shelter and may be attracted to the mulch layer. It feeds on roots, among other things, and could therefore ruin your trees.
You can find out more about mulching in the fallread here.
- Do you have to mulch trees in winter?
For larger trees, mulch is unnecessary and could cause more harm than real benefit. It is better to leave the tree disc free of any material and carefully and shallowly dig up the surface every now and then. This promotes oxygen supply. This is also very useful for determining whether the soil is too dry and needs to be watered. It is important that it is gentle when loosening.
Exception:Young trees definitely benefit from a layer of winter mulch, as we have already mentioned. But it is enough to distribute some autumn leaves. The layer should not be too thick to ensure a certain level of ventilation.
You can find out more about “mulching”.read here.
