Mulch with a two to four-inch layer of organic material. The minimum diameter of the mulched area should be two feet. Do not place mulch directly against the stem of the plant. Clear an area in a dish-shaped pattern around the root collar. Proper mulching provides a well-groomed appearance and designates an area where grass or weeds are eliminated, which results in lower damage rates from mowers and weed trimmers.
Mechanical damage is one of the leading causes of injury and death of landscape plants.
Desirable mulching materials include wood chips, wood shavings, bark, or equivalent materials. Organic mulch is preferred because it helps aerate the soil and replenish soil nutrients as it decomposes. Heavy mulching can also be a problem in poorly drained or wet sites where moisture can remain at high levels for extended periods and cause root dieback. In addition, heavy mulch layers encourage tree roots to grow up into the mulch material which may dry and cause the roots to die during long dry periods. Use of landscape fabric in combination with other mulches is not recommended.