Mulching Best Practices: Insights from a Tree Care Contractor in Highland Park, Illinois

If you care about your trees, mulch is one of the best things you can do to help them grow strong. The right mulch keeps them healthy, locks in moisture, controls weeds, and makes your yard look better. But there is a right way and a wrong way to do it…and unfortunately, many people get it wrong.

Below, this tree care contractor in Highland Park, Illinois is going to share some simple tips to help you mulch properly and keep your trees happy.

Mulch keeps your trees healthy and strong.

Picture a hot summer day. The sun bakes the ground, the soil dries out, and tree roots struggle.

Mulch can prevent that. It keeps the soil cooler and holds in moisture. Tree roots work best when soil temperatures stay below 85° F. Mulch makes that possible.

It also protects the soil from getting packed down by foot traffic or rain. Packed soil makes it harder for roots to breathe. Mulch keeps the ground loose and healthy.

Mulch helps block weeds as well. Weeds steal water and nutrients from your trees. A good layer of mulch keeps them under control.

Over time, organic mulch breaks down and enriches the soil. It is like how leaves naturally cover the forest floor, feeding the ground and creating a better environment for roots.

Too much mulch around the trunk can be problematic.

One common mistake is that people pile mulch up against the trunk. It may look tidy, but it is bad for the tree.

We call this a mulch volcano. That is when mulch forms a mound around the base of the tree. It traps moisture against the bark and causes it to rot. Beneath the bark is a thin layer called the cambium, which moves water and nutrients through the tree. If that breaks down, the tree suffers.

Wet bark also attracts pests. Insects and fungi love damp, weak spots on the trunk.

It gets worse. Sometimes, trees send roots into the mulch pile. Those roots can wrap around the trunk and choke it over time.

Deep mulch can also attract rodents like voles and mice. They burrow into the pile and chew on the bark, which is especially dangerous for young trees.

Fixing a mulch volcano is easy. Remove excess mulch until you see the root flare, where the trunk widens at the base.

Spread mulch two to four inches deep and keep it a few inches from the trunk. This keeps the bark dry and lets air reach the soil.

Choose the right mulch.

It is important to use the right kind of mulch. Organic mulch, like wood chips or bark, is the best choice. It breaks down over time, adds nutrients to the soil, holds moisture, and improves soil structure.

Inorganic mulch, like rocks or rubber, does not feed the soil. Rubber mulch can even cause problems. It heats up fast, burns hotter, and can release harmful gases. That is not what you want near your trees.

How much mulch should you use?

The amount of mulch depends on your tree, your soil, and the amount of sunlight the area gets. You need enough to protect the roots, but not so much that it causes harm.

Organic mulch breaks down over time, so you must refresh it occasionally. Before adding new mulch, remove the old layer or mix it into the soil.

Mulching seems easy, but every tree is different. The wrong mulch, amount, or placement can hurt your trees.

This is why you should work with a professional tree care contractor in Highland Park, Illinois. They understand the soil, the species, and the timing. They will make sure your trees get the benefits of mulch without the risks.

Your trees need more than mulch.

Healthy trees also need regular pruning, inspections, and sometimes extra support. You should check your trees at least once a year for weak branches, pests, or diseases.

Pruning keeps trees strong and reduces risks to your property. If a tree develops weak spots from storms or heavy limbs, cabling or bracing can support it and prevent breakage.

It is easy to assume trees care for themselves, but they need attention to stay healthy and safe. That is where a professional tree care contractor in Highland Park, Illinois comes in. They can help your trees thrive. From mulching to pruning to structural support, they can help.

Looking for a Tree Care Contractor in Highland Park, Illinois?

Do you want your trees to thrive for years to come? If so, and if you are ready to work with the best tree care contractor in Highland Park, Illinois, look no further than Brown Tree Service, Inc. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists will help you protect your trees with expert mulching, pruning, and long-term care. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.