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There is often the problem of the determination of the proper type of mulch to use for trees this time of the year. There are no misconceptions that arise in terms of the basic concept of mulch and its comprehension but on visiting nurseries one will find that there are numerous types and this is where the confusion stems from. The simple answer to this dilemma is that the best mulch for trees is wood chips. Why? This is because trees need mulch that will decompose slowly and gradually. The wood chips mulch is the type that meets this criterion perfectly. This is due to the fact that it rots slowly. As an added advantage there is also the fact that this mulch is very low in nutrients and therefore discourages the growth of weeds. The best type of wood chip mulch is the composted type which is very durable, low in maintenance and turns a silver gray color slowly with weathering. There is however a down side to the use of wood chips. Most of the mood chip mulch that is marketed is sold fresh. This means it is not aged or composted. As they have not been composted they are not the best thing for proper tree care. Composting is important as it does not support microorganisms which can sap the nutrients from the soil and lower the amounts available towards plant growth. If you purchase wood chips which have not been composted then you will have to prepare them before use. This means composting them yourself. This can be done in a backyard composter packed with a bit of leaves, bark and twigs. This has to be kept aerated and turned often to avoid a bad stench. Use Organic Mulch The use of organic mulch is one of the top landscaping tips. These are beneficial as they enhance soil characteristics when compared to inorganic mulches like crushed rock and gravel to name a few. These mulches also add to the nutrient content of the soil as they decompose slowly over time. This means that the mulch should be renewed regularly to maintain a depth of about 2-4 inches. When planting trees the area that needs to be mulched will include an expanse of 3 - 6 feet out from the tree's base. One recommendation is that the mulch should not touch the base of the plants. This means the mulch should be 1-2 inches away from the plant base. This is done to prevent any possibility of damage to the tree trunk from diseases, pests and too much moisture. This is one of the classic mistakes of mulching. The mulch should also resemble a flattened donut and not be a mass of wood chips around the base of your plant. The same rules followed for trees apply to shrubs. If you comply with these landscaping tips then your trees should thrive well and require less water and fertilizer when compared to an un-mulched tree. Owner of MishoBonsai, he has been practicing bonsai for over 10 years. Found a distinct interest in propagation, especially indoor bonsai. Mishobonsai sells tree seeds and provide bonsai tree informations for beginner to advanced bonsai enthusisast. Mishobonsai sells tree seeds from tropical, deciduous and evergreen species.
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