Water that is high in sodium can burn the foliage, and minerals can build up in the soil if there has been little rain. Water your trees deeply, but less frequently than you would turf. Avoid spraying water on the leaves if your water contains excessive amounts of sodium. Mulch will prevent competition between your tree's roots and the roots of grass or weeds. Mulch prevents summer soil temperatures from becoming lethal to tree roots.
Nutrients leach from the mulch into the soil, feeding the tree and keeping the soil mellow.
Experts recommend a layer of organic mulch three to four inches thick over the entire root zone of the tree. Mulch should be pulled away from the trunk so that it does not cause the tree's bark to decay. Weed Control Lawn mowers and string trimmers arc the leading cause of death for young trees. Lawn equipment will cut through soft bark in an instant, destroying the tree supply lines. Trunk wounds are easily invaded by decay, and the tree quickly loses its ability to feed itself.