Is mulching necessary for healthy shrubs and trees?
I think mulching is one of the best actions you can take on behalf of your trees and shrubs. Mulching around them prevents lawn mower nicks on tree trunks, injuries that can lead to problems with pests and diseases. Organic mulches help protect them from herbicide damage, smother weeds, and improve the soil as they decompose. Mulching conserves moisture and insulates the soil, keeping it warmer in cold weather and cooler and in the heat. Mulching also keeps plants clean by absorbing splashes of water, which would otherwise bounce off the bare soil and onto the leaves, stems, and trunks of woody plants. For best results, spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch, making sure it stays a few inches away from the tree trunks.
