The Davey Guide to Plant Health Care

A good organic mulch helps keep organic matter in the soil around the tree, conserves soil moisture and provides weed control.

Mulch should be applied at a depth of 2 to 4 inches. The best way to apply mulch is to “feather” it up to the base of the plant. Mulch should not directly touch the main stem, and mulch should be no more than ½ inch deep immediately adjacent to the stem.

Need help applying mulch? Learn more from Davey expert Shawn Fitzgerald in this video.

Don’t Overdo It!
Applying too much mulch can retain excessive moisture and lead to trunk rot, reduced soil oxygen, fungus growth, and the formation of stem girdling roots. Mounding mulch on plant stems – sometimes referred to as volcano mulching – fosters decay in the tree and could cause severe damage.