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Mulching
Tree Care|
Why Mulch
Mulch that is placed around the base of a tree can be very helpful and beneficial for the health of the tree. Mulch helps to retain moisture within the soil, helps improve soil quality and nutrients, and helps maintain the temperature of the tree’s root zone. In addition, mulches help improve the aesthetic quality of a landscape and protect trees from potential damage from weed eaters and lawn mowers.
Types of Mulch
There are many types of mulch that can be applied to soils. Organic and inorganic mulches are both available. Organic mulches, such as; leaves, bark, or compost mixes, are preferred because they replenish the soil nutrients and help improve soil structure. The more a material decomposes the faster it puts nutrients into the soil. When selecting a material to put around trees make sure it will not damage the plant. Also as a general rule of thumb, mulch should not have a foul smell to it. If mulch has a sour smell it is not beneficial for the tree.
How to Apply Mulch
When applying mulch, make sure you do not apply too much. 2- 4 inches is the ideal depth for mulch, it should be spread out under the drip line, or canopy of the tree. If too much is applied it can cause the retention of too much moisture in the soil which can lead to tree injury or death. Do not stack mulch up around the trunk of the tree. This can lead to very serious diseases in the lower trunk and roots of the tree. It also provides a nice habitat for rodents to live where they chew off the bark on the trunk of the tree. If mulch is already built up around the base of a tree brush it back and allow the root crown to be exposed.
Where to Purchase Mulch
Mulch is available at the Compost Station at 1625 South Industrial Parkway in Provo (approximately 700 East in the East Bay Industrial Park.) The mulch is $12 per cubic yard (a cubic yard will nearly fill the back of a small pickup truck.) Compost is also available for $18 per cubic yard. The Compost Station winter hours of operation are Mon. – Thurs. from 8am – 6pm. Spring/Summer/Fall hours are Monday - Friday 8 am – 6 pm, Saturday 8 am. – 5 pm. For more information about the Compost Station call 489-3027 or go to www.suvswd.org. The compost station is run by the South Utah Valley Solid Waste District.
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