Mulching is a simple, inexpensive and effective way to do something good for your tree. But what is mulching anyway? And what do you need to take into account?

Mulching is covering the soil with organic material. This technique is based on nature. In nature, you hardly ever see bare soil. Fertile soil is either covered with vegetation or covered with a layer of organic matter. In the forest, for example, the soil is covered with leaves, needles and branches. A layer of mulch protects the soil like a coat from Drying out, extreme heating or cooling and erosion. At the same time, a layer of mulch also protects soil organisms and supplies nutrients.

What are the benefits of mulching trees?

A layer of mulch…

• slowly and steadily supplies nutrients to the soil and thus builds it up
• promotes the favorable crumb structure of the soil.
• The crumb structure allows the soil to absorb water better
• protects the soil from drying out and keeps it moist
• regulates soil moisture and temperature
• suppresses the growth of other plants
• reduces erosion
• provides food and good conditions for soil organisms
• Occasional mulching can often eliminate the need for additional fertilizer

Which materials are suitable for mulching trees?

• Laub
• (dried) grass clippings
• Bark material or wood chips (e.g. from tree or hedge trimmings)
• semi-mature compost covered with a thin layer of organic material
• old hay
• chopped straw
• Nettles or other medicinal wild herbs

Mulching trees throughout the year

• Spring: Leave the tree ring uncovered at first so that the soil warms up more quickly. If there is still mulch from last year, you can remove it.
• Summer: A good time to apply a new layer of mulch is after flowering, usually between May and June. This layer is changed periodically throughout the summer to prevent rot.
• Autumn: It is a good idea to remove the mulch after harvesting the fruit to prevent voles from finding shelter. Voles feed on roots, among other things, and could therefore cause some damage to your tree.
• Winter: Leave the tree ring of older trees free. For young trees, you can leave a thin layer of mulch made of leaves. The mulch layer is particularly helpful for young trees that are sensitive to cold.

How do you mulch trees properly?

• renew the mulch occasionally during the growing season
• Remove old, rotten material and keep the tree ring free for some time to let the soil breathe
• Dry material can be applied 2 to 10 cm thick.
• Green material such as fresh grass clippings is only applied thinly, otherwise it will easily rot. It can be renewed more often
• In heavy soils, mulch carefully to prevent waterlogging and rot.

Here you can find more information about the Fertilizing trees.