Learn how to help care for our Park Trees
“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn”
Any questions about tree care in the park?
Feel free to email us at outreach@pattersonpark.com
Mulching tips and tricks:
“Volcano mulching” raises the roots of the tree above ground. This causes stability issues.
“Volcano mulching” causes trunk or root rot and fungus that leads to death of the tree.
Flat or level mulching makes it easier for the water to flow away from the intended watering area. This prevents a deep soak. Flat mulching causes more mulch to absorb water away from the roots and evaporate in the sun.
Proper mulching or “donut mulching” helps catch rain and funnel it towards the young root system.
Naturally, less water penetrates inside the drip line because leaves and branches block incoming rain. Mulch inside the drip line absorbs rain like a sponge. Minimal mulch within the dripline will allow more water penetration for rain that does make it through the canopy.
Donuts help keep the wet mulch away from the trunk and root flare. This prevents root rot and fungus that leads to death of the tree.
The donut shape encourages the roots to reach for the moisture at or beyond the drip line.
The donut shape promotes the water to go directly to the young roots for a deep soak.
The donut shape makes it easier and efficient for manual watering practices by containing more of the pour.
The donut shape creates a surface wall to keep the water focused to the roots in the critical initial years after planting.
The thicker donut wall helps keep the weeds at bay longer.
Mulch close to the trunk creates fertile ground for weeds and grass growth. This causes a higher chance for mechanical damage.
Mechanical damage: Lawn mowers hitting and breaking open the bark, which allows the heartwood to dry out. Weed whackers will slice and cut off the flow of water and nutrients up the tree bark. This is also known as tree girdling.
Fresh laid mulch has air pockets. It will breakdown and then flatten over time. Here in Patterson Park, we go a little bit heavier because it will take a bit longer to get back to these trees for mulching again.