What is the mulch ring around the base of my tree and can I use my string trimmer to cut the grass and weeds here?
Tree mulch rings installed and maintained to current arboricultural standards are simple and wonderfully beneficial to plant health. Mulch beds allow for very easy weed management. Mulch beds do not eliminate weeds but allow excellent soil conditions for tree vigor and for very easy weed management. All types of mechanical damage to tree trunk tissue (string trimmers/lawn mower decks, knife carving, etc.) cause the plant stress and can be avoided. A lawn area is a harsh condition for tree roots to compete for available water and nutrients. Creating generous plant beds (i.e.: off the tree trunk collar and maximum 2″- 4″ of mulch thickness) avoid mechanical damage to the tree trunk.
