Here at Top Tree LLC, we offer our guidance, experience, and knowledge to all of our clients and potential clients with a high level of passion. We look forward to talking shop with you and no matter what, we welcome any questions you have regarding your trees and plants on your property.

Proper Mulching Techniques

Mulching is one of the most beneficial practices you can use for better tree health. Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to keep moisture consistent and improve soil conditions. Mulching is one of the most beneficial acts a homeowner can do for the health of a tree. However, poor mulching materials and practices may have little, or even negative, impact on the trees in your landscape.

Benefits of Proper Mulching

• Helps reduce soil moisture loss through evaporation
• Helps control weed germination and growth
• Insulates soil
• Can improve soil biology, aeration, structure (aggregation of soil particles), and drainage over time
• Can improve soil fertility as certain mulch types decompose
• Inhibits certain plant diseases
• Reduces the likelihood of tree damage
• Gives planting beds a uniform, well-cared-for look

Trees growing in a natural forest environment have their roots anchored in a rich, well-aerated soil full of essential nutrients and soil microorganisms. The soil is blanketed by leaves, organic materials, and living organisms that replenish and recycle nutrients. This environment is optimal for root growth and mineral uptake. Urban landscapes and new developments, however, are typically harsher environments with poor quality soils, reduced organic matter, and large fluctuations in soil temperature and moisture. Applying a 1 to 3 inch layer of mulch can act like a more natural environment and improve plant health.

Going Forward With Your Tree Care
We look forward to helping you with all of your tree maintenance and tree trimming needs. When, and if, you have any questions about your trees, shrubs, or any other greenery on your property, we can help. We look forward to hearing from you soon because we are your Pasco tree removal specialists.

Here at Top Tree LLC, we offer our guidance, experience, and knowledge to all of our clients and potential clients with a high level of passion. We look forward to talking shop with you and no matter what, we welcome any questions you have regarding your trees and plants on your property.

Maintenance Practices
Trees and grass have different requirements. Given the closeness of tree and grass roots, treatment of one may damage the other. Many herbicides used in lawn care can cause severe damage to trees when misapplied. Herbicide drift on a Tri-Cities wind blown day and vaporization on hot July day can cause damage to non-target woody plants. While most herbicides do not kill tree roots, some, such as soil sterilants, do. Herbicides that can cause tree damage will note this on their labels.

Fertilizer applied to one plant will also be absorbed by the roots of a nearby plant. This can be a good thing, but excessive fertilization of either trees or turf can result in excessive above ground growth or reduced disease and pest resistance.

Lawn watering is beneficial to trees if done correctly. Trees need, on average, the equivalent of one inch of rain weekly, depending on the species. Frequent, shallow watering does not meet the needs of either trees or turf, and can be harmful to both.

Allow grass to grow to the top of its recommended mowing height to increase health and rooting depth and decrease irrigation, fertilization, and weed control requirements. Mowing no more than one third of the grass’ height and letting the clippings remain on the lawn promotes a healthy and vigorous lawn.

Special Situations

• Placing fill soil around existing trees. Fill soil is frequently added around existing mature trees to cover roots and re-establish turf. Fill soil can reduce soil oxygen levels and suffocate tree roots. Consult an ISA Certified Arborist before adding soil over tree roots.
• Establishing lawns around existing trees. Soil preparation prior to seeding can disrupt the upper four to six inches of topsoil. This may result in significant tree root damage and decline of the tree canopy.
• Lawn watering in arid sites. In arid regions, the watering that is required to maintain turf is especially harmful to tree species adapted to dry climates. Excess soil moisture encourages root rot that can kill trees or increase the likelihood of uprooting by excessive winds.

Sparse grass growing around mower damaged, weak trees does not need to be a common sight in the landscape. With proper planning, selection, and management, the benefits of both trees and turf can be readily achieved.

Going Forward With Your Tree Care
We look forward to helping you with all of your tree maintenance and tree trimming needs. When, and if, you have any questions about your trees, shrubs, or any other greenery on your property, we can help. We look forward to hearing from you soon because we are your Pasco tree removal specialists.

Here at Top Tree LLC, we offer our guidance, experience, and knowledge to all of our clients and potential clients with a high level of passion. We look forward to talking shop with you and no matter what, we welcome any questions you have regarding your trees and plants on your property.

Competition For Resources
All plants require sunlight, water, and rooting space for growth. In the landscape, plants compete with their neighbors for these resources. Some plants even release chemicals in the soil to restrict growth of nearby plants. A landscape design should provide adequate space for plants to minimize competition.

While shading is the most obvious form of competition, roots also compete below ground for water, nutrients, and space. The majority of fine, water-absorbing tree and grass roots are in the top six inches of soil. In this region, roots ordinarily occupy a much greater percentage of the soil volume than tree roots and absorb more of the available water and nutrients. However, grass root density is often much lower in areas where trees were established first. In these situations, shading and other factors help to make tree roots more competitive.

Competition is especially important when transplanting, seeding, or sodding. The newest plant in the area must be given special treatment to become established. Competing sod should be removed from around transplanted trees and shrubs. Water should be applied to new transplants and seedlings as needed.

Mulching is the best alternative to turf around trees. A 2- to 4-inch (5- to 10-cm) layer of wood chips, bark, or other organic material over the soil beneath the tree’s drip line is recommended because it:

• helps retain soil moisture
• helps reduce weeds and grass competition
• increases soil biology and fertility as it decomposes
• improves appearance
• protects the trunk from serious injuries caused by lawn care equipment
• improves soil structure

Going Forward With Your Tree Care
We look forward to helping you with all of your tree removal and tree trimming needs. When, and if, you have any questions about your trees, shrubs, or any other greenery on your property, we can help. We look forward to hearing from you soon because we are your Pasco tree removal specialists.