Homeowners seeking to encourage healthy tree growth should consider adding a mulch ring around their trees. According to Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini, a mulch ring is a circular border surrounding the tree’s base, helping to protect the trunk from damage caused by maintenance equipment. It also prevents competition from plants growing beneath the tree canopy, which can compete for water and nutrients.

Organic mulch is recommended for its ability to conserve water, prevent soil erosion, and suppress weeds. The mulch ring should be 3-6 feet in diameter or extend to the tree’s drip line, with a 4-6 inch diameter of bare soil around the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch should be applied 2-4 inches deep and refreshed annually, as too much mulch can hinder root development by restricting oxygen.

“If mulch is applied too deep (more than four inches), the mulch can actually restrict oxygen from the soil and negatively affect the tree’s root development,” Domenghini said.