With spring right around the corner, your plants are getting ready to break from winter dormancy. You can help them wake up on the right side of the season with one thing—rather, one pile of things: mulch. A layer of mulch can do a lot to benefit your trees, shrubs, and garden beds. Learn why it’s one of the best tree care tips for the season.

Why Mulch is Best for Tree Care

Looking for a great garden multitasker? It’s mulch. Here’s how applying a layer of organic material around the base of your trunk can help it thrive throughout the season:

1. Retains moisture. The right amount of hydration is critical to root development and strength. Not enough water leads to shallow roots and dehydration, but too much water can cause rot. Mulch helps maintain a level of moisture so you don’t have to water as often. It’s especially helpful during dry periods.
2. Regulates temperature. Think of mulch like a protective blanket. It helps shield the roots from extreme fluctuations from hot to cold. Not only can this happen during the winter, but it’s also prevalent in the spring when the days are warm but the night is still cold.
3. Controls weeds. Even if you can’t see them now, weed seeds overwinter in the dirt and soil and will start to pop up even earlier than your bulbs. You can help prevent them from competing with your desired plants by smothering them with mulch.

The type of mulch you use is just as important as how you apply it. Choose a natural material like wood chips or bark that will break down overtime and provide nutrients back into the soil. Simply sprinkling the mulch around your plants won’t do much to retain moisture or stop weeds. You need a few inches to make it worth the effort. Remember, when you’re mulching around a tree, create a ring around the trunk keeping a space in between so moisture doesn’t build up and create a prime spot for disease and pests.

More Seasonal Tips

Mulching is just one of the tasks to help get your trees and landscapes ready for spring. Here are a few more equally important tree care tips to keep in mind this season:

• Prune any dead, diseased, or broken branches. Be careful not to prune too much.
• Check for signs of disease and pests. Seek treatment options for the specific problem.
• If it’s been a dry season, consider deeply watering your tree, especially if it’s been recently planted.
• Fertilize to promote healthy growth.

For help with effective pruning techniques or diagnosing a tree issue, contact the tree care specialists at Elite Tree Care. By paying attention to what your trees and other plants need now, you’ll set them up for a glorious spring.