How to mulch your small trees?

Mulching is beneficial for the tree - also it's decorative, helps to mow comfortably and reduces mowing damage.

But mulching has one more advantage - when the tree is planted too deep, it helps to bring out the point of graft or root collar.

I have noticed that planting too deep is a common problem - often, the tree is planted deeper than it was in nursery but this is not suitable for many seedlings and grafted plants - this has often been the reason why the plant will remain vegetate for several years or will be there other problems (various diseases, pests).

With mulching we can regulate the grafting point or root collar.

How?

First, you can see a tree whose grafting point is about 5 cm in the soil, in addition, the trees bark is damaged by a trimmer.

Grafting point under the ground. Photo: Ravel Reiljan

In order to make a exact circle, it would be worthwhile to use a string - tie one end around the tree trunk and the other end around the knife handle (the length of the string from the trunk to the knife should be at least 50cm).
Then, with the knife, carefully trim along the circle (not deeper than 10cm).

After that try to take out the grass turf (it should be done with care as well, because in some plants the root system is pretty close to the ground). If the grass turf is removed, excess soil should also be removed (it could be done as deep as possible until the depth is minimum 5-8cm).

Soil can be used elsewhere in the garden, and the grass turf are well suited for composting.

Cleaned area. Photo: Ravel Reiljan

If the mulch area is prepared, then you have to install mulch (usually I use pine-tree mulch, with a fraction of 15-48mm). Do not use hardwood or fresh pine bark (may cause various problems with degradation processes and the spread of diseases).

The most important thing in mulching is that the trunk and mulch can not interact with each other, the difference between the trunk and the mulch should be at least 5cm and should be checked in the meantime, because children, animals, shearers and weather conditions tend to stick it to the trunk.

If the mulch is in place, it should be tightened lightly and watering - usually one cup will suffice (in the event of slight damage to some part of the root).

Mulched area. Photo: Ravel Reiljan

Every next year, it's most convenient and easier to add some mulch, if necessary (sometimes the moths melt their exit precisely in the mulch area).

Source: Urbandendro 
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