Mulch is the material, organic or inorganic, that is placed over the surface of the soil. It can help maintain the soil’s moisture and pH, as well as improve its conditions. Experts say it is one of the best things you can do for your trees and lawn. It can help prevent water loss in the soil, minimize competition with weeds, and improve soil structure. It also enhances the appearance of lawns.

Mulch has many other benefits including: 

• Reducing weed germination and growth
• Insulation- keeps soil cool in the summer and warm in the winter
• Improves soil aeration
• Improves soil structure
• Improves drainage
• Can reduce likelihood of certain diseases
• Reduces likelihood of damage from weed wackers and lawn mowers
• Acts like a more natural environment

However, when used improperly, mulch can be very damaging to trees and plants. Mulch helps soil retain moisture so there is not as much of a need to water trees; therefore, it is important to reduce watering. Excess moisture can cause stress and root rot. Too much mulch can also cause issues with the stem, insects, and diseases. It can also lead to micronutrient deficiencies and toxicities in the soil. Too much mulch can also create habitats for rodents that like to chew on bark. If the mulch is fine, too much can create a potting-soil like substance for weeds to thrive in. It may also cause an odor as it rots or ferments.

To avoid these problems, it is recommended to have your mulch 2 to 4 inches deep to avoid “mulch volcanoes” that cause these problems. Also, make sure to inspect the area where you would like to put mulch. Does it drain adequately? How will plants be affected by the type of mulch you are using? Also, check the mulch that is already present, if there is any. Perhaps instead of putting down new mulch, you just need to break up the matted layers to refresh its appearance, or pull back the mulch if it’s piled against the trees.

The type of mulch you choose is also important because different kinds of plants work better with different kinds of mulch. Mulch is broken down into two categories: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch is preferred by landscapers and is made of materials such as pine needles, wood chips, hard wood, soft wood, cocahulls, leaves, and compost mixes. Inorganic mulch includes stone, lava rock, pulverized rubber, geotextile fabrics. These are not as preferred as organic mulches because they do not decompose. However, they do not need replenished as often as organic mulches. Unlike organic mulches, though, it does not improve soil structure, add organic materials to the soil, or provide nutrients.

Mulch is something that can be very beneficial for your yard, garden, and trees, when utilized properly. Tree service companies in Kirtland Hills, like Vancuren Tree Service, can ensure that your yard has that well-maintained appearance, that gives your trees all the nutrients and care they need.

Let’s find out which practices are actually encouraging or hurting your tree’s growth.

Mulch Mountain

Yes! Adding a pile or mountaineering the mulch around a tree trunk will suffocate it. This locks in too much moisture which weakens the tree’s bark and leads to a weak foundation. The proper way to mulch around trees is to leave a moat about 2 or 3 inches away from the tree trunk.

Tree girdling

Although this method may prompt your tree to produce more fruit, it will more likely kill your tree. By taking off a layer of bark, your tree is more exposed to things like bug problems. Also, cutting off pieces of bark hinders a tree’s ability to transport nutrients from the tip of the leaves all the way down to the roots. Avoid this outdated practice!

Closely planted trees

Give them the space they need – pay attention to the recommended space between plants and other structures based upon how big the tree is expected to grow.

Looking for more expert advice on how to help your Cleveland trees grow big and strong? Give the VanCuren Tree Service team a call for advice, to schedule a free inspection, or for tree services such as tree removal and tree trimming.

What is the secret to keeping your trees happy and healthy for years to come? A lot of this is intuitive, but go through this list and make sure you’re giving your tree what it needs to grow, and stay, strong.

Pick the right spot – First, choose a location for your tree… somewhere on your property that has enough sun and/or shade and where there is enough room for a full canopy to grow without obstructions such as sewage lines and electric cables. Then, pick a tree that suits the Cleveland Heights environment, in other words, pick an indigenous tree for the best results. When you are ready to plant your desired tree, make sure not to dig too shallow or too deep – this is a common mistake.

Water, water, water – When you plant a new tree, it will need somewhere between 6-10 gallons of water to keep hydrated. Keep this up for the first two growing seasons. After that, you can cut down on the watering a bit. If your tree is older, check on your tree and its soil and water as needed. Beware, overwatering can cause damage to your tree by drowning it or by loosening the soil that hold the roots in place.

Lay down mulch and fertilizer – Mulch offers a nice aesthetic but also provides insulation for your tree’s roots by locking in moisture. Avoid covering the base of the tree trunk, this will suffocate the tree.  A tree in a forest would normally, and naturally, get the rich nutrients it needs from leaves, moss and the ecosystem created by the surrounding trees. However, for our homes, fertilizer releases nutrients into the soil that is absent due to lawn care and leaf pickup.

Regular checkups – It is very important that you schedule routine checkups and proper trimming for your tree. Tree trimming improves the tree’s structure, removes dead branches, and makes room for healthy, new growth. Call an expert to check on your trees for tree trimming and for an inspection. If there are any problems with your tree it is better to catch them earlier rather than later.

Cleveland tree services company, VanCuren, is ready to answer questions, discuss tree care, come out for an inspection, or help you service your tree in the Cleveland Heights area. We specialize in tree trimming and tree removal, but we have a great team of experts who can help you with other landscaping projects as well. Call us to help your take care of your home!

Organic mulch provides nutrient-rich soil to help your plants grow.This type of mulch is usually made of previously animal or plant or materials that has been converted into a dirt topper. Due to this, it will naturally decompose over time and is how your pants and trees will get an extra source of nutrients. Before choosing organic mulch though, you should know that because it decomposes it may eventually shift around. Organic mulch materials can also be a place for pests to live if it is distributed incorrectly and too close to your tree.

Here is a list of benefits to using organic mulch:

• Hinders weed growth
• Cuts down on soil erosion
• Encourages development of microorganisms in soil
• Reduces the spread of soil-borne pathogens
• Stabilizes temperature of soil
• Traps moisture and conserves energy by blocking evaporation

Inorganic mulch, on the other hand, are composed of long-lasting materials, sometimes including man-made materials. While you will not need to replace the mulch with a fresh batch year after year, it is more expensive. It is also not suited for all terrains and environments. Call a professional landscaping team, like VanCuren before you decide to cover your yard/garden, tree surface with it. Inorganic mulch options may look like: stones/rocks, shredded tire rubber,

Landscape fabric, or plastic film. Something to consider about stones/rocks is that they both absorb and reflect heat in different areas which could create potentially dangerous heat spots.

Below is a list of benefits to using inorganic mulch:

• Low maintenance
• Retains moisture and heat
• Lasts a long time and doesn’t need to be replaced often
• Less likelihood of soil rot and pest problems

Whichever option you choose comes down to a consideration of your personal preferences, your landscape/environment, and what is best for your trees and plants. Here at VanCuren, we do recommend using organic mulch due to the longer list of benefits, however there is nothing wrong with choosing inorganic mulch as it does not harm your plants. Cleveland are tree company, VanCuren is here for your tree trimming, tree removal, and emergency tree services needs. Call us at 440.338.5005 when you are ready to start a new project.

• Have you added mulch to your trees before?
• Have you waited too long and never got around to actually mulching?
• Or maybe you mulched last year.

Do you need a Cleveland Heights Mulch company? With spring just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about mulching your trees. Whatever point you are at, mulch is more than just something to put around your trees to make them look nicer. Mulch actually helps keep your Cleveland Heights trees healthy!

Even if you surrounded your trees with mulch last year, it’s time for some fresh material as it is probably not doing much to help your trees at this point. Mulch helps keep your tree healthy in many ways. It keeps the soil cool and moist so that your trees retain their water levels while preventing weeds from popping up on your landscaping. Mulch also stops soil runoff if there is rain flooding in the area surrounding your tree so that your tree’s roots stay firmly rooted into the ground.

There are two types of mulch for you to think about: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch is most likely the first kind you think of and see most often. This type of mulch is usually made of wood chips, pieces of bark, shredded leaves, or compost and will need to be replaced periodically to keep it fresh and healthy for your trees. Inorganic mulch like landscape fabric and stones are great for low maintenance and long-term, but they provide no additional vitamins to your trees. We at VanCuren recommend using organic mulch to provide the most value to your trees.

Apply mulch Correctly

• Place mulch near your tree approximately 3-4 inches thick
• Push away mulch from around the trunk and base to make a donut shape. It should be about 4 inches away from the base of your tree all the way around
• Spread out mulch to 4-5 feet in diameter in the surrounding area

Not sure of what kind of organic mulch is best for your Cleveland Heights tree? Call VanCuren today to get your questions answered. We have provided tree services like tree removal and tree trimming in the Cleveland Heights area for 30+ years!

Most customers know that a good mulch will help to prevent the growth of weeds, but there are many other benefits to having all organic mulch in your gardens!

• Organic mulches decompose over time. This decomposition adds vital nutrients to the top layer of the soil, and eventually results in layer of rich, fertile humus.
• Mulch also protects the soil in beds from compaction due to heavy rains or exposure to excessive sun and heat.
• Mulch helps retain oxygen in the soil.
• The correct amount of mulch provides erosion control by absorbing rainfall and preventing water runoff.
• Additionally, your soil will retain moisture much longer as the mulch slows down evaporation.  During periods of drought, the mulch will retain moisture longer than beds having no mulch applied.
• Mulch also provides a habitat for beneficial organisms such as earthworms and certain spiders which assist in minimizing insects that harm flowers, vegetables and other plants.