M
an may be a dog's best friend, but
a newly planted tree's best friend
is mulch.
Why? Mulching not only adds visual
appeal to your landscape, but it also
helps protect trees.
Surrounding the tree's base with a 1- to
3-inch depth of mulch:
• Insulates the soil helping to provide
a buffer from heat and cold
• Retains water to help keep roots
moist
• Keeps weeds out to help prevent
root competition
• Reduces lawn mower damage to a
tree's trunk
Remember, never place mulch closer
than 2 to 3 inches from the trunk to
prevent rotting.
Fall is a great time to get outside and
reacquaint your tree with its best friend.
Much Ado About
Mulch
DRIP. DROP. DROUGHT.
From developing safety hazards to killing and felling weak
trees, drought conditions can be responsible for tree loss.
S
imply put, when root systems do not have access to a sufficient water source, they
fail to keep trees stable and strong enough to ward off pests, diseases and weather-
related damage. Even native trees can struggle to survive drought stress.
Worse yet, trees may not recover from drought stress for five or more years.
Regardless of the severity of drought affecting your region and your trees, frequent and
consistent monitoring can prevent health problems and structural hazards in the future.
Consider the following tips for your trees under drought stress:
1. Manage the moisture surrounding your trees and their root systems.
2. Water your trees where it counts—at the roots or even below ground with deep root
waterings—when drought conditions occur.
3. Replace nutrients in the soil as necessary.
4. If removal is necessary, consider replacing the trees you'll lose. Then, learn how to
plant the tree right from the start.
Not sure if your trees are stressed from the drought? Contact a professionally trained
arborist for a free inspection.
