Category: Mulch

“Mulching” is a term that refers to providing a protective layer of material over the rootzone area of your trees and shrubs.  There are many types of “mulching” materials available.   Mulching provides many benefits for your trees and shrubs, especially in our Edmonton climate.

Appearance – Mulch can improve the overall appearance and aesthetics of your trees and shrubs, by improving your curb appeal and can help to increase your property value by beautifying your landscape.

Moderates Temperature Fluctuations – Here in Alberta within a single day, the temperatures can vary substantially. Mulching the rootzone can help to keep roots protected from extreme cold in the Winter, and from extreme heat in the Summer.  Mulching can help to mediate these great temperature fluctuations at the root zones and will aid in keeping the soil temperatures more constant.

Retains Moisture – Organic mulches, such as wood chips or bark will absorb water and keep it stored at the rootzone area.  This will aid trees and shrubs, from the negative effects of drought stress and can reduce the frequency  for watering.

Controls Weeds–  Reduces germination of unsightly weeds, that can use up needed water and nutrients from the soil around your trees and shrubs.

Protects Tree Trunks and Roots – Physically protects the tree roots from mechanical injury such as, lawnmower scalping or weed trimmer damage.  Provides a buffer to reduce tripping on exposed tree roots that may be at the surface of the soil.

Prevents Soil Erosion–  Mulching creates a physical barrier, reducing the impacts of hard splashing rainwater from eroding or washing away the soil at the root zones of your trees and shrubs. The weight of the mulching material will hold the soil down from wind erosion as well.

Maintains Soil Nutrients – Organic mulches such as bark or wood chips will aid in adding improved nutrient availability to the soil at the root zones.   Over time, the material will break down and decompose, giving the soil improved structure and added organic nutrients and minerals. This process will continue to improve the overall health and vigour of your trees.

These are some reasons why “mulching” your trees and shrubs are beneficial.  The benefits of mulching will help to enhance and improve the overall health of your trees and shrubs, while improving your overall landscape.  Your Arborist in Edmonton can consult with you to choose your best mulching options.

There are many types of mediums and materials, that can be used for mulch, which are available to the Edmonton homeowner. Mulching can be very beneficial for your trees and shrubs, and can improve the overall appearance of your landscape.   

Mulch can come in many different forms and from many different sources.

Mulch materials can be divided into 2 main categories:   Inorganic and Organic.

Inorganic mulch can consist of rocks, gravel, stone, shale, plastic, or rubber and are often applied, primarily, for decorative purposes. Inorganic mulches do not provide the same benefits as Organic mulch as they do not aid in adding soil nutrients and structure, as they do not break down in the soil.  These materials also can be detrimental to your tree or landscape, due to the temperatures that they absorb during extreme weather.

Organic Mulch can consist of materials such as bark or wood chips, and leaf mulch, to name a few. These organic mulches will break down, or decompose over time, which will add tremendously to the soil nutrients. There are many more benefits to organic mulches over inorganic, from the tree’s perspective.

When choosing a mulching medium, you will need to consider the availability of what you choose, and the attributes they provide.  Your Certified Arborist can discuss with you about the benefits of mulch and what mulch may work best in your environment.

Your Edmonton Arborist can provide you with clean, disease-free wood chips and bark material, as they are easily accessible.  These organic Mulches are an excellent choice for your trees, shrubs and landscape!