Now that we’re into the recommended planting season, you’re probably looking for mulch for your next gardening project.
Mulch is going to play an important role this year with the lack of moisture bringing about a dry summer. Luckily, ArborScape offers mulch for pickup and delivery! We recycle wood from past job sites and treat and dye all the organic matter in-house.
What is Mulch?
Mulch is any material that is made to spread over a soil surface as a protective layer. There are inorganic materials that don’t break down, such as gravel, pebbles, and rubber chips, and there’s organic material, like wood chips, bark, and even compost.
It’s typically used for gardening to provide a protective barrier around the plants and trees, and provides nutrients to the roots below. Mulch can also be used in place of a lawn or rock beds for a more vibrant landscape.
Why Should I Use Mulch?
Utilizing high-quality mulch can significantly support the overall vigor of trees and plants, fostering a healthier landscape.
Implementing proper mulching techniques can also help mitigate weeds, which compete for nutrients and water that are essential for tree growth. Various materials, such as wood chips, straw, or bark, can be employed depending on specific landscape needs.
The organic materials used in mulch decompose over time, contributing essential nutrients back into the soil. This process not only improves soil structure but also promotes beneficial microbial activity, leading to a thriving ecosystem around tree roots.
Mulching plays a crucial role in tree maintenance by enhancing soil health by providing a protective layer that conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature, something important for this year’s lack of moisture and the expected heat.
Denver’s altitude puts us closer to the sun, meaning water can evaporate much quicker than it can soak into the soil. Mulch can reduce that evaporation by up to 50% or more!
How Much Water Does My Tree Need?
This also helps extend the time needed between watering. Your trees need water no matter their age. We recommend 10-15 gallons of water for each inch in diameter of the tree trunk.
To find the diameter of your tree, you’ll want to measure the tree trunk at chest height, then take that number and divide by 3.14.
Once you find the diameter, you’ll multiply that number by 10, and that’s how many gallons of water your tree needs per month.
For instance, even a 10-inch tree in diameter still needs 100 gallons of water. You can spread that out over the month, and mulch is an excellent way to retain the moisture around the tree.
How Wide Should a Mulch Ring Be?
Proper application depth and spacing are vital to prevent suffocation of tree roots and encourage proper air circulation.
Many people think the volcano method is the proper way to place mulch. This is incorrect; and can cause poor air circulation, leading to rot and girdled roots.
A proper mulch ring will have you spread the matter as far out as the canopy of the tree goes- this is how far out the roots are growing, so spreading the mulch out benefits all the roots, not just the ones closest to the tree.
Regular maintenance of mulch layers ensures continued benefits, aligning with sustainable practices endorsed by ArborScape Services for optimal tree care.
We have 3 shades of mulch to choose from: an un-dyed light brown, a dyed espresso brown, and dyed red. Our undyed mulch is $25 per yard, and our dyed mulch is $35 per yard. Our trucks can hold up to 13 yards for a $75 delivery fee.
Call ArborScape today at (303) 806-8733 to schedule your mulch delivery or pickup! Or, fill out the form below and one of our team members will get back to you.
ArborScape is a proud member of Colorado Forest Products, all of our wood products are made with at least 50% of wood derived from the Colorado canopy. See more of our wood products here.
