How to Properly Mulch Your Trees This Summer
Expert tips from Taylor's Way tree service specialists in Utica, IL — published December 10, 2018
Mulching is one of the easiest, healthiest, and cheapest ways to protect your trees and keep them thriving all summer long.
What is Mulch and How Can You Obtain It?
Mulch is usually an organic product you can spread on the soil to fertilize, nourish and protect your trees and plants. It retains moisture, keeps pests away from root systems, and feeds all plants as it slowly decomposes and gets absorbed into the soil. Besides keeping the soil under the trees cool and fertile, mulch also adds to the visual attractiveness of the treated areas — making it a great choice for flower beds and vegetable gardens too.
Chipped or Shredded Bark
Wood-based organic matter is a primary component of effective homemade or store-bought mulch mixes.
Leaves, Twigs & Grass Clippings
Common yard waste like fallen leaves, small twigs, and grass clippings can be composted into a rich organic mulch.
Compost & Composted Manure
Compost and composted manure are nutrient-rich additions that help feed the soil as mulch breaks down over time.
Straw & Newspaper
Straw and layered newspaper are affordable, biodegradable materials that can be mixed into mulch for added coverage.
How to Properly Apply Mulch: The 3-3-3 Rule
Our tree service Utica, IL specialists recommend following the 3-3-3 rule for every tree on your property. This rich and highly nutritious organic material should be layered around each tree using these three key guidelines:
3-Inch Thick Layer
Add a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around each tree to ensure adequate moisture retention and insulation for the roots.
3-Foot Wide Circle
The mulch layer should form a ring or circle shape — with the tree at the center — spreading across a 3-foot wide circular area.
3-Inch Gap from Bark
Always maintain at least 3 inches of distance between the tree bark and the start of the mulch layer. Never let mulch touch the bark.
Why the 3-Inch Gap from the Bark Matters
Many people wonder why you should preserve a 3-inch space between the bark and the mulch. There are two critical reasons:
Tree Bark Needs to Breathe
Tree bark requires airflow to remain healthy. Covering it with mulch restricts this and can cause serious long-term damage to the tree.
Prevents Collar Rot
If mulch touches the bark, moisture accumulates in that area and collar-rotting organisms can thrive — potentially leading to the death of the tree.
Common Mulching Mistakes to Avoid
Proper technique makes all the difference. Be sure to avoid these mistakes when mulching around your trees:
Dumping Piles Around the Bark
Never dump a large pile of mulch directly around the tree bark. This causes young tree roots to grow into the mulch instead of the soil.
Uneven or Thin Coverage
Uneven mulch layers waste resources and leave parts of the soil exposed. Always aim for uniform thickness across the full circular area.
Letting Mulch Scatter
Keep mulch layers compacted and contained. Mulch scattered around the property looks untidy and loses its protective effectiveness.
Not Sure About Mulching Your Trees?
If you are not sure about creating and applying tree mulch, ask your tree service Utica, IL specialists to help you install it and enjoy your majestic trees all summer long. Gardening, lawn care and landscaping require dedication and skill — let Taylor's Way handle the hard work for you.
