- Featured Stories - Douglas County - City of Ava - General
Interest “I know we’re supposed to do something to our trees in
the fall, but what?” Tree owners often feel compelled to spray,
prune or apply something to their trees and landscape plants on
a regular basis. But, unless there is a specific reason to
spray, prune or apply things to landscape trees, the best thing
to “do” to keep your trees healthy would be to apply a layer of
mulch. “Fall is a great time to be out in the yard spreading
shovels-full of composted woodchip mulch under your trees.” says
Tchukki Andersen, staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry
Association. “Trees with mulched root zones are usually larger,
more vigorous, develop faster and have higher rates of survival
than plants surrounded by turf grass or bare dirt. Mulches
retain soil moisture and reduce erosion and soil compaction.”
Mulched trees also have fewer weeds, which reduces the need for
the roots to compete for limited resources. The soil under the
mulch also likely stay