Trees are notoriously easy to look after and, unlike growing flower beds or vegies, most trees don’t need the extensive work that’s involved.
But there’s one thing you can do this summer to make sure your trees are cool, well-hydrated, happy and healthy: mulching.
Tree mulching is key to helping trees survive Perth’s hot summers. It works in several different ways to keep trees cool and hydrated.
Western Tree Surgeons explain tree mulching and its many benefits for your trees this summer:
What is tree mulching?
Tree mulching is the covering of the soil area around the tree with shredded organic material known as mulch, which can come from bark, wood chips, leaves and other organic material. The act of spreading mulch around the soil of the tree preserves moisture and improves the condition of the soil, while also preventing weed growth. It can be done using garden waste at home, or using professional mulching products.
What are the benefits of tree mulching?
Mulching has several benefits for trees in Perth, especially during summer. The act of mulching is all about keeping your plants better-hydrated over hot periods, without using too much water:
- Mulching keeps soil cool and moist
Perth’s hot summers often make watering a plant more difficult. It can be so hot in Perth that when you water your trees, much of the water evaporates before it reaches the roots, resulting in your tree becoming dehydrated. A nice layer of mulch prevents this by creating a barrier between the soil and the sun, allowing the water to quickly seep into the cool, dark mulch which prevents evaporation. Mulching also keeps the soil rich, cool and moist, improving soil health.
- Mulching improves water efficiency
In summer, you usually have to water your trees more often, due to the lack of rain and punishingly hot weather which can be deadly for a lot of trees. But watering your trees in summer without mulching can waste a lot of water due to evaporation, which is neither good for the environment or your wallet. Mulching makes every drop of water go further, improving your water efficiency.
- Mulching prevents weeds
On top of this, mulching prevents weeds from rearing their ugly heads! Mulch stops weeds from getting enough sunlight to grow and keeps the soil cool and moist, which weeds hate. This can also help your tree’s health during the long hot summer in Perth.
Need an expert to mulch your trees this summer? Look no further than Western Tree Surgeons – Perth’s #1 for tree care and arboriculture. We use the best quality organic mulch that WA has to offer. With over 60 years of combined experience in mulching and tree care, Western Tree Surgeons have a reputation for quality work and competitive prices. Give us a call today!