mulching around a tree

[pines]

when you guys mulch around a tree how big a radius do you usually create...1', 1.5', 2'? Also do you first remove all the sod and then use a bed edgedger or do you use the bed edger as a part of the process to remove the sod.

[Grassmechanic]

Trees less than 6" cal. - spray Round-up & Surflan about 1 1/2' - 2' around tree. Apply mulch 2-3" deep, take care to keep the mulch from touching the tree.

[pines]

Originally posted by Grassmechanic
Trees less than 6" cal. - spray Round-up & Surflan about 1 1/2' - 2' around tree. Apply mulch 2-3" deep, take care to keep the mulch from touching the tree.

Thanks for replying. When you apply these items is there a certain amount of time after application before you mulch. Also, what is Surflan? I am assuming that Round-Up kills the grass. Any comment on the bed edger portion of my question? Thanks in advance.

[NCSULandscaper]

Surflan would be a pre-emergent herbicide. As far as mulch rings, my bed edger cant do anything under a 2' radius, so thats what i do around smaller trees. Large trees, i attempt to mulch up to the drip line, as grass just wont grow as well under one, esp around maples and trees that produce lots of surface roots.

[D Felix]

Remember the rule of thirds when mulching trees. Taking into account the spread of the canopy, mulch rings should be one of the following; 1/3 of canopy, 2/3's of canopy, or 3/3's of canopy.

This will keep the mulch as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

HTH.


Dan

[Coffeecraver]

Use a spade shovel and skim the grass from under the tree
2 to 2 1/2' out ,depending upon the size of the tree. Use the spade to create the edge around the tree
then apply 2 1/2 to 3" of mulch.

Mechanical edgers should not be used under trees, spraying
with round-up and surflan, should not be done under trees if it can be avoided.

[GarPA]

good info above...aside from the fact that you could damage the root system, we never use trench/bed edgers around trees becuase frankly they dont do well going in a circle. Even the ones with the back wheels that turn do a lousy job going in a circle. Best to cut in the edge by hand.

and PAHLEASE...NO MULCH VOLCANOES AROUND TREES...man we all see this all the time ...best way I know to kill a tree in that it can cause the main roots to "girdle" the tree and eventually kill it or at least stunt its growth

one of these days when I see a Paco piling 3 inches of mulch on top of the 5 inches leftover from last year, I;m gonna have to get out of the truck and have a chat .In case you cant tell, this topic drives me nuts becuase the only reason they do it is to sell more yards of mulch...idiots.

[pines]

Originally posted by GarPA
good info above...aside from the fact that you could damage the root system, we never use trench/bed edgers around trees becuase frankly they dont do well going in a circle. Even the ones with the back wheels that turn do a lousy job going in a circle. Best to cut in the edge by hand.

and PAHLEASE...NO MULCH VOLCANOES AROUND TREES...man we all see this all the time ...best way I know to kill a tree in that it can cause the main roots to "girdle" the tree and eventually kill it or at least stunt its growth

one of these days when I see a Paco piling 3 inches of mulch on top of the 5 inches leftover from last year, I;m gonna have to get out of the truck and have a chat .In case you cant tell, this topic drives me nuts becuase the only reason they do it is to sell more yards of mulch...idiots.

This is the info I was looking for. Just wanted to find out if the edger was best around a tree.Thanks

[D Felix]

A couple of times last year I was in the process of removing buildup of old mulch around trees, only to discover a girdling root. Found about 3 of them inside of 2 weeks.

Does anyone know what to look for on the trunk of a tree to clue you into a girdling root?

Anyone?


Dan

[GarPA]

i asked a certified arborist this very ?..he said the only way to know is to dig below the soil surface. By the time it shows above ground, its usually too late