Before you put on your gardening gloves, the Moorestown Tree Planting and Preservation Committee would like to remind residents of good mulching practices around trees.
Mulch should never be piled up against the tree trunk. Mulching in a “volcano” shape can make the tree more susceptible to fungus, insects and rodents. It can cause root girdling which can weaken the stability of the tree.
Instead, mulch in a “donut” shape. Keep mulch six inches from the trunk and mulch out as far as the branches extend above. Keep the mulch two to four inches thick. Each spring, break up old mulch and add new mulch to maintain a two-to-four-inch layer.
If your property is maintained by a landscaping/lawn service, please share this reminder with them.
Properly applied mulch provides these benefits: it prevents soil compaction, retains water in the soil for tree roots, keeps lawn equipment from damaging the trunk, moderates temperature, reduces competing vegetation and provides nutrients to the tree as it breaks down.
Don’t forget to be on the lookout for Spotted LanternFly egg masses. Scrap them off and destroy them so they won’t be bugging you this summer.
