What to Put Around Newly Planted Trees

Planting trees is a great way to beautify your yard, reduce carbon emissions, and help the environment. However, keeping your newly planted trees healthy and strong can be a challenge, especially during the first few years after planting. One of the most important things you can do to help your newly planted trees thrive is to provide proper mulching and protection. In this article, we'll discuss what to put around newly planted trees to keep them healthy and beautiful for years to come.

The Benefits of Mulching

Mulching is the practice of adding a layer of organic matter around the base of your tree. This layer can consist of a variety of materials, such as leaves, pine straw, wood chips, or bark. Mulching provides several benefits for newly planted trees, including:

Conserving soil moisture by reducing water evaporation from the soil surface

Inhibiting weed growth, which can compete with your trees for water and nutrients

Improving soil structure and fertility over time

Regulating soil temperature, which can protect your tree's roots from extreme heat or cold

When mulching your newly planted tree, make sure to keep the mulch at least 2-3 inches away from the trunk. This will prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of fungal or insect problems.

Choosing the Right Type of Mulch

There are many different types of mulch to choose from, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most commonly used mulches include:

Wood chips or bark: These mulches are attractive and can improve soil fertility over time. However, they can also be prone to fungal or insect problems.

Leaves or grass clippings: These mulches are free and readily available, but they may not provide as much long-term benefits as other types of mulch.

Pine straw: This mulch is inexpensive and attractive, and it can also help acidify the soil. However, it may need to be replaced more frequently than other types of mulch.

Ultimately, the best type of mulch for your tree will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Experiment with different types of mulch to find the one that works best for you.

Protecting Your Tree with Tree Guards

In addition to mulching, you may also want to consider using tree guards to protect your newly planted tree from damage. Tree guards are metal or plastic tubes that are placed around the trunk of your tree to prevent damage from lawn mowers, weed whackers, rodents, and other pests.

When choosing a tree guard, make sure to select one that is the appropriate size and height for your tree. You should also make sure that the tree guard is securely anchored in the ground to prevent it from being knocked over in high winds or heavy rain.

Taking Care of Your Newly Planted Tree

Proper mulching and protection can go a long way in helping your newly planted tree thrive, but they are not the only things you can do to keep your tree healthy. Some other tips for taking care of your newly planted tree include:

Water your tree regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.

Prune your tree regularly to promote healthy growth and prevent disease.

Monitor your tree for signs of stress, such as wilting, yellowing leaves, or fungal growth.

By following these tips and taking care of your newly planted tree in the early years, you can help ensure that it grows into a beautiful and healthy addition to your yard.