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Add mulch to improve health
Applying 2 to 4
inches of mulch under the canopy of established trees can improve their health
(right and lower left photo). Mulch keeps turf away so mowers are less likely to injure
the trunk and compact the soil. Mulch reduces moisture evaporation from the
soil surface. This can improve root growth, especially during warm dry weather.
Mulch also suppresses weeds and turfgrass that can compete with tree roots for moisture and nutrients. Mulch adds organic matter to the soil system and appears to encourage earthworms and other beneficial soil organisms. Killing the turf and adding mulch can improve health on declining trees. Do not pile any mulch against the trunk and keep it off the root ball on newly planted trees (lower-right photo).
See: Important mulch precautions.
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